Calcium-based antacids like Tums and Rolaids are household staples—quick, convenient, and widely considered harmless. But new clinical insights are revealing a surprising and concerning connection between these over-the-counter medications and your heart health. CKD Health aims to help patients understand how everyday choices, including common digestive remedies, can influence long-term cardiovascular and kidney safety.

The Overlooked Ingredient and Why It Matters

Most popular antacids rely on calcium carbonate as their active ingredient. While calcium is essential for bone health, taking too much can create an imbalance in the bloodstream, leading to hypercalcemia. This condition disrupts several vital processes, especially the heart’s electrical system.

A 2017 study published in JAMA found a clear association between elevated calcium levels and increased risks of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. What appears to be a simple solution for heartburn may actually contribute to cardiovascular stress, especially when used frequently or in high doses.

How Excess Calcium Impacts Heart Function

Calcium plays a key role in transmitting electrical signals throughout your body—including those that regulate your heartbeat. When calcium levels are within normal range, your heart maintains a strong and steady rhythm. But when levels rise too high, the electrical balance becomes disrupted, leading to arrhythmias or potentially more serious complications.

This is where CKD Health education becomes crucial. People often underestimate how quickly they can exceed safe calcium limits. Adults generally require around 1,000 mg of calcium daily, yet a single dose of Tums can contain 500–1,000 mg. Taking several throughout the day makes it easy to surpass recommended intake without realizing it.

From Heartburn Relief to Cardiovascular Risk

According to the Cleveland Clinic, excessive consumption of calcium carbonate is one of the most common causes of hypercalcemia. Calcium carbonate is approximately 40% elemental calcium, meaning even small amounts accumulate quickly in the bloodstream. Over time, sustained high calcium levels may modestly increase the likelihood of cardiovascular events.

These antacids were designed for occasional relief—not daily management. When used too frequently, they can create systemic effects far beyond the digestive tract.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Hypercalcemia

CKD Health emphasizes early awareness, as hypercalcemia can affect multiple organ systems, often in ways that mimic other conditions:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination

• Nausea, vomiting, or constipation

• Fatigue, confusion, or slowed thinking

• Generalized weakness and lethargy

Older adults, especially those with reduced kidney function, are at higher risk because the kidneys must filter excess calcium. When the kidneys struggle to eliminate the surplus, calcium builds up in the bloodstream, compounding the cardiovascular and metabolic burden.

Better Solutions for Long-Term Relief

If you find yourself depending on antacids regularly, it is essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Persistent digestive symptoms often indicate an underlying issue that needs evaluation, such as acid reflux disease, dietary triggers, or medication side effects.

Safer long-term approaches may include:

• Identifying and avoiding trigger foods

• Adjusting meal timing and portion sizes

• Using alternative medications under medical guidance

• Strengthening digestive and metabolic health through lifestyle changes

These strategies help reduce reliance on calcium-based antacids while also protecting both heart and kidney function.

Conclusion

Antacids remain effective for quick, occasional relief, but their routine or high-frequency use may pose unexpected risks to your heart. CKD Health encourages awareness, moderation, and proactive conversation with your healthcare provider. Understanding how everyday medications affect your cardiovascular and renal systems empowers you to make safer choices that protect long-term well-being.

Your heart and kidneys work together every moment—support them by staying informed, paying attention to symptoms, and seeking guidance when something feels off.