A recent medical study has issued a caution regarding the frequent use of paracetamol, suggesting an increased risk of certain severe health conditions. While previously deemed safe for patients, recent findings indicate that paracetamol may have similar effects as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which are known to elevate blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
Experts have noted that heightened blood pressure could potentially raise the risk of heart disease or stroke by approximately 20%. They recommend that individuals with long-term prescriptions for paracetamol, often used for managing chronic pain, should receive the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration possible. This advice was highlighted by a report from the Liverpool Echo.
Professor James Dear, a leading expert in clinical pharmacology at the University of Edinburgh, emphasized the study’s findings, stating that paracetamol, the most widely used drug globally, can increase blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
Prof Dear advised healthcare professionals and patients to carefully weigh the risks against the benefits, especially for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. He further mentioned that a two-week treatment with paracetamol can elevate blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
Lead researcher Dr Iain MacIntyre, a specialist in clinical pharmacology and nephrology at NHS Lothian, reassured occasional paracetamol users that there is no need for concern. However, he pointed out a newfound risk associated with long-term regular use of paracetamol for chronic pain management.
The study observed that individuals who ceased taking paracetamol saw their blood pressure return to baseline levels, indicating that the drug had increased it. Although precise figures on the number of long-term paracetamol users with high blood pressure in the UK were not available, it is estimated that one in three UK adults with high blood pressure regularly use paracetamol.
The researchers were surprised by the significant impact on blood pressure seen in the study, which was initially anticipated to show a minimal effect. Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, the medical director at the British Heart Foundation that sponsored the study, underscored the importance of regular reviews by doctors and patients to assess the necessity of ongoing medication and to carefully evaluate benefits and risks.
Blood Pressure UK reports that approximately one in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure, with rates in England at 31% for men and 26% for women.