A new study from the University of Edinburgh suggests that taking paracetamol regularly for long periods may increase the risk of heart disease and strokes, especially in people with high blood pressure.
This challenges the common belief that paracetamol is a safer option compared to other painkillers.
Paracetamol is one of the most widely used medicines in the world.
It is often recommended as an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, which are known to raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart problems.
Because of this, doctors frequently prescribe paracetamol for long-term pain relief. However, this new research suggests it may not be as harmless as many assume.
The study involved 110 participants who already had high blood pressure. They were randomly assigned to take either one gram of paracetamol (a typical prescribed dose) four times a day or a placebo, which had no active ingredients. This continued for two weeks, after which the researchers compared their blood pressure levels.
The results showed that those taking paracetamol experienced a significant increase in blood pressure—similar to the effect seen with NSAIDs. This increase in blood pressure could raise the risk of heart disease or stroke by about 20%.
These findings highlight the need for caution when using paracetamol for long-term pain management, particularly for those who already have high blood pressure or are at risk of heart problems.
Professor James Dear, one of the researchers, stressed that high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Since paracetamol is the most commonly used drug worldwide, this discovery is important for both doctors and patients.
The researchers suggest that people who rely on paracetamol for chronic pain should take the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Patients should also talk to their doctors about alternative treatments and consider how long-term use of paracetamol might affect their overall health.
The study, led by Iain MacIntyre and his team, was published in the journal Circulation. The findings call for further research to better understand the risks of long-term paracetamol use and guide safer pain management options for those at risk of heart disease.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about how to eat to prevent stroke, and diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain.
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