A Spanish cardiologist has issued a warning to anyone who exercises or plays sports regularly.
According to leading heart doctor Aurelio Rojas, there are five medications that such people should avoid.
The expert says they can affect how your heart reacts to workouts, increasing the risk of cardiac arrests or other medical emergencies.
Below are the five pills or medications Rojas warns against.
Ibuprofen, diclofenaco, naproxeno
These three are all painkillers and anti-inflammatories, and are among the most used tablets in Spain.
However, Rojas says they should not be taken immediately before exercise, as this can ’cause damage to your kidneys and increase the risk of a heart attack, especially if you are dehydrated.’
Nasal sprays or decongestion tablets
According to Rojas, using nasal sprays or decongestion tablets raises tension and accelerate the heart, and ‘can cause heart arrhythmias if you perform a strong workout.’
Diuretics
Rojas explains that diuretics are ‘very commonly used to treat hypertension.’
However, he warned: ‘They can make you lose potassium and magnesium… result? cramps, tachycardias and lowering of hypertension during exercise.’
Omeprazol
Omeprazol is a medication designed to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach.
But Rojas warns that if you take it chronically, it can alter the way your body absorbs magnesium, iron and vitamin B12.
‘This affects your energy, your recovery and your heart health,’ he said.
Antidepressants
Lastly, Rojas warns that antidepressants can affect the electrical pathways of the heart and increase the risk of arrhythmias.
He said his advice ‘is not meant to scare you’ but to allow you to exercise safely and in an informed way.
