Many Americans take heartburn medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to help relieve the discomfort of acid indigestion. A recent study found that the drugs are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, as well as other health problems. The PPIs researchers studied included both prescription and over-the-counter drugs meant to reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces, thereby reducing discomfort in the chest. They included: Nexium (esomeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), Prilosec and Zegerid (omeprazole), among others. 

The study looked at adults who had no history of heart disease and found that there was a link between PPIs and an increased risk of heart attacks. However, the study does not prove that taking PPIs raises the heart attack risk.

Should You Take PPIs for Heartburn?

For many, the risks of taking PPIs outweigh the benefits, particularly when there are other effective methods of eliminating heart burn without side effects. Because PPIs only treat the symptoms of heart burn, not the underlying cause, treating the cause is the best strategy.

If you have been taking PPIs regularly to treat heartburn and would like to find an alternative strategy for treating symptoms, it's is important to talk with your doctor before quitting PPIs abruptly. This can have result other harmful side effects.