A new study from the University of Edinburgh has found that long-term use of paracetamol—one of the world’s most common painkillers—may raise blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
This could increase their risk of heart disease and stroke, conditions that are already linked to high blood pressure.
Paracetamol (known as acetaminophen in some countries) is widely used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It’s often seen as a safer choice than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, which are known to raise blood pressure and carry heart risks when taken regularly.
Because of this, many people with chronic pain rely on paracetamol, especially those trying to avoid the risks of NSAIDs.
However, this new research suggests that paracetamol might not be as harmless as many people think—at least not for those with high blood pressure. The study involved 110 patients who all had a history of high blood pressure.
Half of them were given a standard dose of paracetamol—1 gram, four times a day, which is a typical prescription for ongoing pain. The other half took a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients) for two weeks.
At the end of the study, researchers found that the group taking paracetamol had notably higher blood pressure than the placebo group. The increase in blood pressure was similar to what is seen with NSAIDs, suggesting that paracetamol may also carry cardiovascular risks when used regularly over time.
This rise in blood pressure is not just a small number change—it matters. Based on earlier research, such an increase could lead to a 20% higher risk of heart disease or stroke, which are already major causes of illness and death worldwide.
Professor James Dear, one of the study’s lead researchers, stressed that paracetamol is the most widely used drug in the world, yet its risks have not been fully understood until now. He pointed out that this study shows paracetamol can raise blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.
The message from the study is not that people should stop taking paracetamol altogether. Instead, the researchers recommend that doctors and patients be more cautious, especially if the patient has high blood pressure or heart issues. They suggest using the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time needed.
Iain MacIntyre, who led the study team, explained that these findings should encourage re-evaluation of long-term paracetamol prescriptions, particularly for patients already at risk for heart problems.
The full study was published in the medical journal Circulation. It adds to a growing body of research showing that even common medications can have hidden effects—especially when used long term. If you’re someone with high blood pressure and take paracetamol regularly, it might be a good idea to speak with your doctor about whether this is still the safest option for you.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more health information, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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