A cardiac expert has sounded the alarm over the risks associated with frequently prescribed medicines which he believes could be "sabotaging your health ". Dr Aurelio Rojas stressed that multiple medications taken daily by Brits across the country might cause complications.

In an Instagram post, the medic underlined that people need to be aware of particular painkillers, nasal decongestants, and antidepressants, alongside Omeprazole. In guidance issued late last year that is still relevant today, he said: "If you do sports and take medication, you have to watch this video.

"I am going to explain what meds may be sabotaging your health without your knowledge. And I'm not talking about unusual medications; I'm referring to the ones you take on a regular basis. And many people take them without realising it."

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Whilst seeming harmless, their uncontrolled use, combined with intense physical activity, can generate dangerous effects, according to Dr Rojas. He said: "Omeprazole. If you take it regularly, it may alter the absorption of magnesium, iron and vitamin B12. This affects your energy, your recovery and the health of your heart."

Omeprazole is primarily prescribed to manage or prevent numerous conditions associated with excess stomach acid, reports the Mirror. Dr Rojas additionally flagged up widespread painkillers as a concern.

He stated: "This is very common: ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen. Taking them before working out can damage your kidneys and increase the risk of a heart attack, especially if you are dehydrated."

Next, he cautioned those suffering from colds to exercise care. He stated: "You're going to be shocked about this one: nasal decongestant. Yes, those sprays or pills you take when you have a cold. Nasal decongestants increase blood pressure, accelerate heart rate, and can cause arrhythmias if used before intense exercise."

He also underlined the dangers of hypertension medications during physical activity, explaining: "This is very common to treat hypertension. Diuretics can make you lose potassium and magnesium. Result: cramps, tachycardia and tension drops in the middle of training."

He went on: "Fifthly, and crucially, antidepressants such as amitriptyline affect the heart's electrical conduction, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, especially in people who perform high-intensity exercise. It's not about scaring you; it's about training with your head and your heart."

As both a cardiologist and sports medicine expert, he has treated numerous patients who, whilst dedicated to their fitness routines, inadvertently compromise their wellbeing.

Discussing his clinical experience, Dr Rojas noted: "What I often see is people taking ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen to relieve muscle pain before training, and who also use omeprazole to protect their stomach. The problem is that we aren't always aware of what these medications can do to our bodies."

Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including diclofenac and naproxen are medications that numerous people take as if they were entirely harmless.

However, he cautioned: "These medications reduce inflammation and pain, but they also affect renal and cardiovascular circulation, especially if you take them before training. Dehydration, which is common during intense exercise, multiplies the risk of kidney damage and increases the likelihood of suffering a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack."

This occurs because NSAIDs interfere with blood flow to the kidneys, potentially causing severe complications without proper precautions.

Nasal decongestants are often misused as well. Those sprays or tablets that many people turn to when suffering from a cold can trigger less well-known side effects.

"Nasal decongestants increase blood pressure, accelerate heart rate, and can cause arrhythmias if used before intense exercise," Dr Rojas emphasised.

"The problem is that many people use them without considering how they might affect their cardiovascular system whilst exercising. If you have a cold, it's best to avoid strenuous exercise or, at least, check with your doctor to see if the medication is appropriate for you at that time."

If you're prescribed diuretics to manage hypertension or a similar condition, you need to exercise particular caution when engaging in physical activity. Dr Rojas explained: "Diuretics cause you to eliminate fluids and electrolytes through urine. This can lead to imbalances in the body, such as the loss of potassium and magnesium, which are essential for muscle function and regulating heart rhythm," he warns.

"It's common for athletes not to realise that cramps, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat during training can be related to taking diuretics. Furthermore, if you don't replenish these electrolytes, the risk of injury and heart problems increases."

Omeprazole, a medicine prescribed to tackle stomach issues like ulcers or reflux, is another drug that countless people take without weighing up the long-term effects. Whilst it shields the stomach by lowering acidity, extended use can disrupt the absorption of crucial nutrients, including magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12, impacting your energy levels, recovery, and heart health.

The cardiologist warned: "If you take omeprazole for long periods without proper medical supervision, you may be disrupting your nutrient levels and compromising your performance and heart health."

Dr Rojas said: "Amitriptyline and other antidepressants affect the heart's electrical conduction, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, especially in people who perform high-intensity exercise," warns the cardiologist. "If you take these medications, it's essential that you talk to your doctor about how they may affect your physical activity, and don't combine them with extreme training without a prior assessment."

So what steps should you take if you're prescribed one of these medicines? He said always seek medical advice, steer clear of self-medication, and have your prescriptions reviewed on a regular basis.

He said: "Stay well hydrated, monitor your electrolytes if you use diuretics or NSAIDs, get regular blood tests, review your dosage with your doctor, and if you are an athlete, have a complete medical check-up every year."

Dr Rojas offered guidance, though with a note of caution:

• Don’t take them before intense training.
• Stay well hydrated and monitor your electrolytes if you’re using diuretics or NSAIDs.
• Get regular blood tests if you’re using omeprazole long-term.
• Check with your doctor to see if you can adjust the dose or switch to safer alternatives.
• And if you’re an athlete, get a complete medical check-up every year.