Commonly Used Antibiotics May Trigger Heart Health Issues

(Newswire.net — March 21, 2022) Orlando, FL — Antibiotics are a popular treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are widespread today. It is important to be warned that misuse or overuse of this medication has long been linked with dangerous health outcomes.

A study has particularly shown a link between one of the most commonly prescribed classes of antibiotics and two types of heart problems.

The findings of this research were published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Scientists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in partnership with the Provincial Health Services Authority’s (PHSA) Therapeutic Evaluation Unit carried out this study.

They had found that current users of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as Ciprofloxacin or Cipro, are at a greater risk of developing aortic and mitral regurgitation by 2.4 times, compared to patients who take amoxicillin, a different type of antibiotic. Further, the biggest risk is within 30 days of use. 

It is important to note that recent studies have associated a similar class of antibiotics with other heart issues. 

There are doctors who favor fluoroquinolones over other antibiotics. This is because such an option has a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and high oral absorption, which is as effective as intravenous, or IV, treatment.

“You can send patients home with a once-a-day pill,” said Mahyar Etminan, lead author and associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences in the faculty of medicine at UBC. 

“This class of antibiotics is very convenient, but for the majority of cases, especially community-related infections, they’re not really needed. The inappropriate prescribing may cause both antibiotic resistance as well as serious heart problems.”

There are other side effects the use of antibiotics is linked with. This is why experts are increasingly recommending some measures helpful in lessening the need to use this medication.

It is worth noting that the increasing rates of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are found to drive the skyrocketing demands and use of this medication. Unfortunately, its misuse or overuse that is widespread now leads to antibiotic resistance.

Health care providers strongly recommend resorting to some measures to lessen the risk of UTIs. There are many remedies like increased water intake and the use of cranberry juice, which contains powerful UTI-fighting ingredients like D-mannose. 

Studies have demonstrated that intake of D-mannose helped in the prevention and treatment of UTIs. It is also used by many of those with recurrent infections as a safer alternative to antibiotics.

Today, it is used through formulas like Divine Bounty D-mannose. (https://www.amazon.com/D-Mannose-600mg-Cranberry-Dandelion-Extract/dp/B01LX5KGF0)