Long-Term PPI Use Linked to Heart Risk
A study in the European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy finds long-term proton pump inhibitor use is associated with higher cardiovascular event risk.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Heart Disease
Researchers found that people taking proton pump inhibitors for more than 30 days were 58% more likely to experience a cardiovascular problem. The study, published in the European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, identified an association rather than proof that the medication caused the heart issues.
Why it matters
Proton pump inhibitors are widely used to treat acid-related conditions, so an association with cardiovascular risk raises questions for long-term users. The findings point to the need for careful review of ongoing prescriptions.
The observational study reports a 58% higher likelihood of cardiovascular problems and a 38% higher risk of cardiac-cause death among users taking proton pump inhibitors for more than 30 days, compared with non-users. No statistically significant increase in stroke risk was found, and whether the medication itself is responsible remains unproven.
The players
National University of Malaysia
A Malaysian public university whose researchers conducted the analysis linking long-term proton pump inhibitor use to cardiovascular outcomes.
The details
The study compared individuals who took proton pump inhibitors, including omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole, for more than 30 days with those who did not. Researchers from the National University of Malaysia proposed possible explanations, including reduced nitric oxide levels that could impair vascular health and changes to gut microbiota that could trigger systemic inflammation.
Timeline
Doctors typically prescribe proton pump inhibitors for four to eight weeks.
The association was observed in use lasting more than 30 days.
Big Picture
The study adds to an ongoing body of observational pharmacovigilance research examining the long-term safety of proton pump inhibitors. Its findings are consistent with prior questions about extended use but remain an association rather than a confirmed cause.
Patients should not stop proton pump inhibitors abruptly because of the risk of rebound acid production. Any reduction in dosage should be managed gradually under professional supervision, and losing 5% to 10% of body weight can help alleviate reflux symptoms.
The takeaway
Anyone on a long-term proton pump inhibitor should discuss ongoing need and dosage with a clinician rather than stopping suddenly. Keeping the duration of use as short as clinically appropriate is the practical step the findings support.
Further reading
Explore more on Heart Disease and how medication use can affect cardiovascular health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PravdaReport.
