Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is one of the most popular pain and fever relief medicines in the world.
Many people use it when they have a headache, sore muscles, or other common aches. It’s easy to find, doesn’t cost much, and you don’t need a prescription to buy it. For people with long-term pain, like arthritis, doctors often suggest paracetamol because it’s considered safer than other painkillers.
In the past, studies showed that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart problems. Because of this, doctors usually recommend paracetamol for people with high blood pressure, thinking it’s a safer option.
But new research from the University of Edinburgh suggests that long-term use of paracetamol might also raise blood pressure. This could be a serious concern for people who already have heart risks.
In the study, scientists looked at 110 patients who already had high blood pressure. They split them into two groups. One group took paracetamol four times a day. The other group took a placebo—a pill that looked the same but didn’t contain any medicine. This helped the researchers see if any changes in blood pressure were caused by the medicine itself.
The results showed that people taking paracetamol had a noticeable increase in blood pressure compared to those taking the placebo. The change was about the same as what’s seen with NSAIDs. This rise in blood pressure could increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes by as much as 20%.
This finding is important because high blood pressure is one of the top reasons people get heart disease or have strokes. If paracetamol raises blood pressure, even a little, it could be dangerous over time—especially for people who already have heart problems.
Many people with high blood pressure use paracetamol regularly because they think it’s safe. But this study suggests they might want to think twice. Doctors may need to be more careful when recommending paracetamol to patients with heart risks.
Dr. James Dear, one of the lead researchers, says these results are a reminder that even common medications can have hidden risks. He recommends that doctors and patients talk about these risks, especially before using paracetamol for long periods.
If you take paracetamol often and have high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. They can help decide if paracetamol is right for you and may suggest other ways to manage your pain.
Besides medicine, things like exercise, healthy eating, and regular check-ups can help manage both pain and heart health. If you live with long-term pain, your doctor might also suggest physical therapy or lifestyle changes to help reduce your need for medication.
Paracetamol is still a useful and widely used medicine. But this new study shows that even everyday drugs can have effects we didn’t expect. Learning more about these risks helps you make better choices about your health.
Always ask your doctor if you have questions about any medicine. They’re there to help you find the safest and most effective treatment options for your needs.
If you care about pain, please read studies about why long COVID can cause pain, and common native American plant may help reduce diarrhea and pain.
For more information about pain, please see recent studies about why people with red hair respond differently to pain than others, and results showing this drug may relieve painful ‘long covid’ symptoms.
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