Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used painkillers in the world. It is often recommended as a safer option than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, because NSAIDs are known to raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart problems.
However, new research from the University of Edinburgh has raised concerns that long-term use of paracetamol may also affect heart health, especially in people with high blood pressure.
The study looked at 110 patients who had a history of high blood pressure. Half of them were given a standard dose of paracetamol—one gram, four times a day—for two weeks. The other half received a placebo, a fake treatment with no active medicine, over the same period. The goal was to see if paracetamol had any effect on their blood pressure.
The results showed that those who took paracetamol had a noticeable increase in their blood pressure compared to those who took the placebo. The rise in blood pressure was similar to what is seen with NSAIDs. According to the researchers, this increase could raise the risk of heart attacks or strokes by about 20 percent.
This discovery is important because paracetamol has long been considered a safe choice for people with high blood pressure. It is used by millions of people worldwide to relieve pain from conditions like arthritis, back pain, or headaches. But this new study suggests that it may not be as risk-free as many people, including doctors, have believed—especially when used over a long period.
Dr. Iain MacIntyre, who led the study, said that people who take paracetamol regularly for chronic pain should be careful, particularly if they already have high blood pressure or are at risk for heart disease. He and his team suggest that people should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. This may help limit the potential risks to the heart and blood vessels.
The researchers are not saying people should stop using paracetamol altogether. For short-term pain, it is still considered safe for most people. But for those who take it every day for weeks or months, especially if they have other health conditions, it may be time to talk to a doctor about other options.
The study’s findings also highlight the need to regularly review prescriptions for paracetamol. If a person has high blood pressure or is at risk of heart disease, doctors may need to consider alternative ways to manage pain. This could include lower doses, shorter treatment periods, or different medications altogether.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence that even widely used and trusted medications can have hidden side effects, especially in people with underlying health issues. It shows how important it is to keep studying the long-term effects of common drugs, and to tailor treatment plans based on each person’s health background.
As science continues to uncover more about how medicines affect the body, patients are encouraged to stay informed and speak openly with their doctors. If you’re taking paracetamol regularly and have concerns about your heart health or blood pressure, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your healthcare provider.
The study was published in the medical journal Circulation and serves as an important reminder that no medication is entirely without risk. Being careful with how and when we use painkillers is a key part of staying healthy—especially for people living with chronic conditions like high blood pressure.
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