Paracetamol is one of the most widely used painkillers in the world. It is often recommended as a safer alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are known to raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.
However, new research from the University of Edinburgh suggests that long-term use of paracetamol may also have unexpected risks, particularly for people with high blood pressure.
The study focused on 110 patients who had a history of high blood pressure. They were given a standard pain management dose of paracetamol—one gram, four times a day—for two weeks. Another group of patients received a placebo (a pill with no active ingredient) for the same period.
The results were concerning. Those who took paracetamol showed a significant increase in blood pressure compared to those in the placebo group. The increase was similar to what is seen with NSAIDs, suggesting that prolonged use of paracetamol could raise the risk of heart disease and stroke by about 20%.
This finding is particularly important because paracetamol has long been considered the safest pain relief option, especially for people with high blood pressure. Doctors have often prescribed it as a preferred alternative to NSAIDs, assuming it does not affect heart health. But this study suggests that long-term use of paracetamol might not be as harmless as once believed.
The researchers recommend that people who rely on paracetamol for chronic pain should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Those with high blood pressure or a higher risk of heart disease should be especially cautious.
The study’s authors also suggest that doctors should reconsider how they prescribe paracetamol, particularly for patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Patients who take paracetamol regularly for chronic pain may need to review their medication plans with their doctors to weigh the benefits and risks.
This research adds an important perspective to pain management, highlighting that even widely used medications can have unexpected health risks for certain groups. It also underscores the need for continuous research to ensure that common painkillers remain safe for all patients.
Patients are encouraged to stay informed and discuss their options with their healthcare providers, especially if they have concerns about the long-term use of paracetamol.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and top 10 choices for a blood pressure-friendly diet
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about impact of vitamins on high blood pressure you need to know, and the powerful link between high blood pressure and a potassium-rich diet.
The study, led by Dr. Iain MacIntyre and his team, was published in the journal Circulation.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
