Paracetamol is often recommended as a safer alternative to a class of painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This is because NSAIDs have been shown to raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.
However, a recent study from the University of Edinburgh suggests that long-term use of paracetamol might also carry risks, particularly for individuals with high blood pressure.
The study focused on 110 patients who had a history of high blood pressure. These patients were prescribed one gram of paracetamol four times a day, which is a standard dose for managing chronic pain.
For comparison, another group of patients received a placebo, a treatment with no active medication, for the same two-week period.
The results were concerning. Those who took paracetamol experienced a significant increase in their blood pressure compared to those who took the placebo.
This rise in blood pressure was similar to the increase observed with NSAIDs, suggesting that long-term paracetamol use could elevate the risk of heart disease or stroke by about 20 percent.
This finding is particularly important because paracetamol is the most widely used painkiller worldwide. While it has long been considered safer than NSAIDs, especially for patients with high blood pressure, this study suggests that it might not be as harmless as previously thought.
The researchers emphasized that individuals who rely on paracetamol for chronic pain, especially those with high blood pressure or those at an elevated risk of heart disease, should be cautious.
They recommend using the lowest effective dose of paracetamol for the shortest possible duration to minimize potential risks.
Given these findings, the study’s authors suggest that doctors and patients should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of long-term paracetamol use, particularly in patients who are already at risk for cardiovascular issues.
It may be necessary to review and adjust prescriptions for paracetamol, especially for those with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure.
This study sheds new light on the potential cardiovascular risks associated with one of the most commonly used medications in the world.
It underscores the importance of ongoing research to ensure that widely used drugs like paracetamol are safe for all patients, particularly those with conditions that put them at higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
As more studies continue to explore the effects of common medications on heart health, it becomes increasingly clear that even drugs considered safe for the general population can have unexpected risks for certain groups.
Patients are encouraged to stay informed and discuss their treatment options with their doctors, especially if they have concerns about the long-term use of painkillers like paracetamol.
This study, led by Dr. Iain MacIntyre and his team, was published in the journal Circulation and adds a critical perspective to our understanding of pain management in individuals with high blood pressure.
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