Calcium supplements are typically consumed as a means of preserving bone dexterity for patients who show signs of a weakened skeletal structure. Unfortunately, patients who take them, may not know about the dangerous side effects of calcium supplements. Those who use calcium supplements may greatly increase their risk of suffering from cardiovascular problems like stroke and heart attack.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke or heart attack after taking calcium supplements, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
What’s the problem?
Calcium is the body’s most abundant mineral and plays a vital role in the preservation and strength of bones. In fact, over 99 percent of calcium is stored in bones and teeth with the rest being stored in blood, muscle, and other tissues. However, many people simply lack, or do not consume enough calcium to maintain a strong and healthy bone structure. As a result, people consume calcium supplements to make up for the deficiency.
Unfortunately, the heart risks associated with calcium supplements outweigh their potential benefits. The indiscriminate use of calcium supplements may greatly increase the risk of suffering from a severe, life-threatening cardiovascular event like a stroke or heart attack. For these reasons, developers are experiencing an overwhelming number of calcium supplement lawsuits.
Side Effects of Calcium Supplements
Though calcium is naturally abundant in the human body, the consumption of oral calcium supplements may generate a number of side effects. Common side effects of calcium supplements include:
- Constipation
- Headache
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Hypercalcemia
While these side effects may seem minor, they may be indications of more severe, life-threatening complications. The use of calcium supplements may greatly increase the risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.
Calcium Heart Risk
As opposed to calcium rich food sources, calcium supplements introduce the mineral into the blood stream at an extremely fast rate. As a result, elevated blood calcium levels can contribute to artery disease. If high concentrations of calcium are allowed to enter the bloodstream at once, levels can spike and induce clotting abnormalities that generate a higher risk of heart attack.
BMJ Calcium Heart Risk Study
According to a recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), healthcare professionals have concluded that the indiscriminate use of calcium supplements poses a severe risk to the public and should be abandoned. New information obtained from a meta-analysis of 29,000 people suggests that the risks of heart problems greatly outweigh the benefits associated with oral calcium supplements. Their findings concluded that calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attack by 25 percent, and the risk of stroke by 15 percent.
Professor Ian Reid, in association with the BMJ study, concluded that “When we do the calculations from these 29,000 people, we find that for every thousand people we give calcium to for five years, we cause six heart attacks and we prevent three fractures.”
Do I have a Calcium Supplement Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in calcium supplement lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a heart attack or stroke after using a calcium supplement, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-800-773-0849. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.