Recent research from the University of Edinburgh has brought to light some concerning information about paracetamol, a common painkiller.
This study, led by Iain MacIntyre and his team, was published in the journal Circulation. It reveals that long-term use of paracetamol could be risky for people with high blood pressure, increasing their chances of heart disease and strokes.
Paracetamol has been widely recommended as a safer alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
NSAIDs are known to potentially raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart problems. To avoid these issues, many patients have been using paracetamol, especially for chronic pain.
However, this new study suggests that even paracetamol isn’t without its risks. The researchers looked at 110 patients who already had high blood pressure.
These patients were either given a typical dose of paracetamol (one gram, four times a day) or a placebo, which is a treatment that has no active ingredient, for two weeks.
The results were quite surprising. The group that took paracetamol experienced a significant rise in blood pressure compared to those who took the placebo.
This increase was similar to what’s often seen with NSAID use. The researchers estimated that this kind of blood pressure rise could lead to a 20% higher risk of heart disease or stroke.
This finding is crucial because it challenges the common perception of paracetamol as a completely safe drug. It’s especially important for people with high blood pressure, who are already at a higher risk for heart-related issues.
The study suggests that when it comes to prescribing paracetamol for a long period, especially to these patients, a careful review is necessary.
The main takeaway from the study is the need for balance. People with high blood pressure or at risk of heart disease need to weigh the benefits of taking paracetamol against these newfound risks.
Doctors and patients should work together to make informed decisions, considering things like the lowest effective dose and the shortest duration possible.
In short, this research from the University of Edinburgh opens up a new perspective on paracetamol use, especially for those with high blood pressure.
It’s a reminder that even the most commonly used drugs can have significant impacts on health and should be used with caution.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
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