Home / Health / Paracetamol Raises Blood Pressure Risk, Study Warns
Paracetamol Raises Blood Pressure Risk, Study Warns
17 Feb
Summary
- Paracetamol's impact on blood pressure mirrors NSAIDs.
- Increased blood pressure may raise heart disease risk by 20%.
- Regular users with hypertension should use lowest effective dose.
Regular use of paracetamol, the world's most consumed drug, may elevate blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. A 2022 study revealed that paracetamol's effect on blood pressure is comparable to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which are known to increase cardiovascular risks. Scientists are now recommending that patients on long-term paracetamol prescriptions, typically for chronic pain, receive the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.
While short-term use for conditions like headaches or fever remains safe, the research highlights a newly discovered risk for individuals who take the painkiller regularly over extended periods. The study observed that a two-week course of paracetamol increased blood pressure in patients already diagnosed with hypertension. Importantly, blood pressure returned to baseline levels once participants ceased taking the medication, confirming the drug's impact.
