Cardiovascular Disease Can Be Caused by Acid Reflux Drugs

The American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation, has reported about some recently published research concerning cardiovascular disease. This research shows that commonly prescribed drugs taken for acid reflux can actually cause high blood pressure and weaken the heart.

These drugs, known as PPIs, or proton pump inhibitors, cause blood vessels to constrict. When taken on a regular basis, PPIs can lead to a weakening of the heart and hypertension. These PPIs include such drugs as Prevacid, Prilosec, and Nexium. These can be purchased over the counter.

As many as 1 in every 14 Americans have used PPIs, according to The Food and Drug Administration. In 2009 sales of PPIs reached $13 million, and they were the third-most taken type of drug in the United States. PPIs treat a wide variety of medical disorders, such as infection by the ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), Barrett's esophagus, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

The Possible Cause for Acid Reflux

It might surprise you to learn that head and neck trauma that leads to a misalignment in the upper neck can be the cause of acid reflux, along with a variety of other ailments. Birth trauma in children, falls, sports-related injuries, and car accidents can cause these misalignments. This causes a change in communication between the brain and the body. The lower esophageal sphincter musculature is often not functioning properly because of improper nerve supply. This can cause acid reflux.

Starting back in the 1960's, Dr. Godfrey Gutmann, a medical researcher, began looking into the connection between head and neck trauma and health issues. In 1987, Dr. Gutmann published his research linking the upper neck to problems varying from ear infections, torticollis, scoliosis, colic, acid reflux, and many more conditions.

Can this Be Corrected?

An upper cervical chiropractor, such as Dr. Don Erwin of Sacramento, California, can correct these upper neck misalignments. The procedure is safe, gentle, and highly effective.

Have you gotten a diagnosis of acid reflux? What about your child? Upper cervical is something to consider before having to take medication and deal with its side effects. Looking into the cause of the problem, rather than just covering up symptoms, is a far better option. Call Dr. Erwin today to schedule an evaluation to see if your problem is caused by an undetected brainstem injury. It’s the first step to feeling much better without medication.

To find a Doctor in your area go to www.NUCCA.org or if you are in the Sacramento California area schedule a consultation by clicking the button below:

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Dr. Donald Erwin of Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA).Over the past 21 years, Dr. Erwin has helped many people find natural relief in Sacramento, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Elk Grove, Roseville, Yuba City, Davis and Placerville. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, digestive disorders and auto injuries. More information can be found on his website at https://www.donerwindc.com/