Study Links Intake of Sodium Containing Pills to Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events

A latest study found an association between intake of sodium-containing pills and an elevated risk of cardiovascular events.

A case control study conducted by researchers at the University of Dundee and University College London revealed that the intake of sodium containing effervescent, dispersible and soluble drugs is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events when compared to non-effervescent, dispersible and soluble version of the same drug.

The study reveals that the daily dose of few drugs surpass the recommended daily limits of sodium intake, without the intake of additional dietary. The study emphasis on the need to warn and caution the people of the potential dangers of consuming prescribed drugs that have high sodium. Above all they stress on the need to prescribe the sodium containing formulations carefully and only after ensuring that the benefits of the drug outweighs the risks.

The researchers also ask for the sodium content of medicines to clearly be listed on the packaging. Several studies conducted in the past have shown the link between excess salt intake and its impact of the heart.

To prove the hypothesis, researchers analyzed data from 1.2 million people in U.K.. During this period (1987-2010) nearly 61,000 cases of cardiovascular events were reported. The researchers noticed that those taking sodium-containing effervescent, soluble and dispersible drugs suffered a 16 percent increased risk of heart attack, stroke or vascular death. They were also seven times more susceptible to develop high blood pressure and the death rate was 28 percent higher in those who tool these drugs. The cardiovascular event was largely driven by hypertension and stroke.

The study is published in the journal bmj