A recent study from the University of Edinburgh suggests that long-term use of paracetamol could increase the risk of heart disease and stroke in people with high blood pressure.
Paracetamol is often considered a safer alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have been known to raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart problems. However, this new research indicates that paracetamol may not be as harmless as previously thought.
Many people with chronic pain rely on paracetamol as a regular treatment, especially those who want to avoid the risks associated with NSAIDs. But according to this study, people with high blood pressure should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible to reduce potential harm.
The researchers studied 110 patients with a history of high blood pressure. Half of them were given one gram of paracetamol four times a day—an amount commonly prescribed for chronic pain—while the other half received a placebo for two weeks.
The results showed that those taking paracetamol experienced a significant rise in blood pressure compared to the placebo group.
The increase in blood pressure was similar to the effects seen with NSAIDs. Based on past research, such a rise in blood pressure could raise the risk of heart disease and stroke by about 20%. These findings suggest that long-term paracetamol prescriptions for people with high blood pressure should be reconsidered.
Professor James Dear, one of the researchers, emphasized that paracetamol is the most commonly used drug worldwide, yet this study shows it can raise blood pressure—a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
He advised that doctors and patients should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of long-term paracetamol use, particularly for those who already have heart disease or high blood pressure.
This study, conducted by Iain MacIntyre and his team, was published in Circulation.
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