When heartburn strikes, it’s easy to reach for familiar over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids. They’re fast, convenient, and widely considered harmless. But emerging evidence suggests that frequent use of these calcium-based products may carry a surprising risk—one that affects far more than your digestive comfort.

Researchers and clinicians are now raising concerns that overusing these medications may significantly increase the likelihood of developing hypercalcemia, a condition tied to heart rhythm problems, coronary artery disease, and even heart attacks.

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Key Takeaways

• High Calcium Content: Many common antacids contain large amounts of calcium carbonate.

• Risk of Excess: Overuse can raise calcium levels in the bloodstream to dangerous levels.

• Impact on the Heart: Elevated calcium can disrupt the heart’s electrical activity and raise cardiovascular risk.

• Recognizing Symptoms: Hypercalcemia may cause frequent urination, fatigue, confusion, and digestive discomfort.

• Medical Guidance Matters: Regular antacid use is a sign to consult your healthcare provider for safer long-term strategies.

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Why Too Much Calcium Can Harm Your Heart

Calcium is essential for bone health, but in high amounts, it can interfere with normal body functions—especially those of the heart. When excess calcium circulates in the bloodstream, the result is hypercalcemia, a condition that can alter how your heart conducts electrical signals.

Calcium ions help regulate heartbeat. Under normal conditions, they support steady, coordinated heart contractions. When calcium levels rise too high, however, they can disrupt this delicate system and trigger arrhythmias. In fact, a 2017 study published in JAMA identified a clear association between elevated serum calcium and increased risks of both coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.

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The Antacid Connection

Many antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid with calcium carbonate, which is composed of roughly 40% elemental calcium. Although calcium is safe in appropriate amounts, exceeding daily needs can quickly happen if you take these products often.

Most adults require about 1,000 mg of calcium per day. A single Tums tablet may contain 500–1,000 mg depending on the strength. Taken multiple times a day, these doses can accumulate rapidly, leading to consistently elevated calcium levels in the blood.

This is why calcium-based antacids are recommended only for occasional relief, not as a daily routine. Chronic overuse may subtly, but meaningfully, raise the risk of cardiovascular complications.

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Could You Be at Risk? Symptoms to Watch For

Because hypercalcemia affects many systems in the body, early detection is important—especially if you frequently use calcium-containing antacids.

Common signs may include:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination, as the kidneys attempt to clear excess calcium

• Digestive issues, such as nausea, vomiting, or constipation

• Fatigue, confusion, or lethargy due to effects on the nervous system

Older adults and individuals with kidney conditions should be particularly cautious about their total calcium intake from food, supplements, and medications.

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Conclusion

Antacids remain a useful solution for occasional heartburn, but they are not risk-free when used excessively. Understanding the connection between calcium intake and heart health is essential for preventing unintended complications.

If you find yourself relying on antacids more often than occasionally, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms can lead to safer and more effective long-term treatments—without placing additional strain on your heart.