A recent medical study has issued a warning about the potential risks associated with regular paracetamol use. Previously regarded as a safe medication, it has now been discovered that paracetamol could have similar effects to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, which are known to elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.
Experts have indicated that an increase in blood pressure may lead to a higher risk of heart disease or stroke by approximately 20%. They recommend that patients with long-term prescriptions for this pain reliever, commonly used for managing chronic pain, should be prescribed the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.
Professor James Dear, who serves as the chair of clinical pharmacology at the University of Edinburgh, emphasized the study’s findings, stating that paracetamol, the most widely used drug globally, can elevate blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
Furthermore, Professor Dear advised healthcare professionals and patients to carefully weigh the risks versus benefits, especially in cases where patients are vulnerable to cardiovascular disease. He highlighted that a two-week treatment with paracetamol can raise blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
Lead investigator Dr. Iain MacIntyre, a consultant in clinical pharmacology and nephrology at NHS Lothian, reassured occasional paracetamol users that there is no cause for concern. However, he cautioned against prolonged, regular use of the drug for chronic pain management due to the newly identified risks.
The study revealed that blood pressure levels returned to baseline after participants discontinued paracetamol use, indicating a direct association between the drug and increased blood pressure. While exact figures on long-term paracetamol users with high blood pressure in the UK are not available, it is estimated that one in three UK adults with high blood pressure regularly take paracetamol.
According to experts, the study aimed to observe a minimal impact on blood pressure but surprisingly found a more significant effect. Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, the medical director at the British Heart Foundation, which sponsored the study, emphasized the importance of regular medication reviews to assess the necessity of ongoing treatments and to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits.
Blood Pressure UK reports that approximately one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, with rates of 31% in men and 26% in women in England specifically.