Scientists from the University of Edinburgh have made a surprising discovery about paracetamol, a common painkiller.
Long-term use of paracetamol could be risky for people with high blood pressure, potentially leading to heart disease and strokes.
For a while, paracetamol was seen as a safer choice compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
NSAIDs were known to increase blood pressure and the risk of heart problems, so some patients turned to paracetamol, especially for chronic pain. But this new study suggests that even paracetamol might not be as harmless as previously thought.
In their research, the Edinburgh team looked closely at 110 patients with a history of high blood pressure. These individuals were either given a standard dose of paracetamol (one gram, four times a day) or a placebo for two weeks. The results were eye-opening.
Those who took paracetamol experienced a significant rise in blood pressure compared to those on the placebo. This increase was similar to what’s seen with NSAIDs and could potentially raise the risk of heart disease or stroke by about 20%.
This finding is a wake-up call to review how paracetamol is prescribed, especially for long-term use in patients with high blood pressure or those at risk of heart disease and strokes.
According to Professor James Dear, a key figure in the study, it’s clear that paracetamol, the world’s most widely used drug, can increase blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
The study’s message is not to stop using paracetamol altogether but to use it cautiously. It’s important to choose the lowest effective dose and use it for the shortest time necessary.
Doctors and patients should weigh the benefits against the risks, particularly in those at risk of cardiovascular issues.
This important research by Iain MacIntyre and his team, published in the journal Circulation, brings a critical perspective to the use of paracetamol, especially for people managing chronic pain and high blood pressure.
It’s a reminder that even common medications can have unexpected effects on our health and should be used with care and awareness.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about new way to prevent heart attacks and strokes, and results showing this drug for heart disease may reduce COVID-19 risk.
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