A new study has revealed that there is a 32% higher risk of death when combining two particular elements.
Although they might not seem like they would be problematic when used together, this research shows that they can cause severe side effects when consumed together over time. This combination refers to the use of certain medications while consuming alcohol.
What are these medications?
The medications in question are common among people who suffer from heart diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
These medications are otherwise safe to consume when used independently or using other beverages, but when combined with alcohol, the risk of adverse side effects multiplies. The combination of these medications with alcohol is known to induce a range of health risks, which include irreversible organ damage, respiratory failure, cardiovascular problems, and many more, leading to mortality.
How was the study conducted?
The study was conducted over a period of three years and involved over 10,000 patients who were taking these medications for their underlying medical conditions.
The patients were categorized into two groups; one group consumed the medication without alcohol, while the other group consumed the medication with alcohol. For the purpose of the study, alcohol consumption was considered as moderate or excessive drinking habits that were defined as 1-2 alcoholic drinks for women per day and up to 3-4 alcoholic drinks for men per day, respectively.
After monitoring the patients’ health during the course of the study, it was found that those who consumed the medication with alcohol had a 32% higher risk of death compared to those who consumed the medication without alcohol.
The risks were comparatively higher in alcoholics with chronic health conditions such as heart diseases, diabetes, and high-blood pressure.
What are the potential dangers of consuming this combination?
Alcohol is considered a depressant, which means it slows down the central nervous system, which leads to lack of judgment, loss of balance, and slow breathing.
Consuming alcohol with these specific medications can potentially increase the side effects of the medication, which can lead to heart failure, liver damage, kidney damage, and other irreversible health complications. These overlapping side effects are increased when consumed together over time.
What can be done to prevent such risks?
Doctors are recommended to educate their patients on the potential hazards associated with consuming the combination of these medications with alcohol.
Patients should be informed of the dangerous side effects and encouraged to drink responsibly or choose not to drink at all, particularly when taking these medications. Health care professionals should take this into consideration when prescribing the medications and advising the patients. Also, patients should not make any changes to their medication without first consulting their doctors.
Conclusion
Consuming alcohol with specific medications can significantly increase the risk of irreversible health complications, leading to mortality.
The combination of alcohol with particular medications, as revealed in this study, must be taken seriously by anyone who is under medication due to underlying medical conditions. Patients should be informed of the potential risks and be encouraged to drink responsibly or cease it altogether. Doctors must also take these risks into account while prescribing medications and educating their patients.