A study published in the journal Circulation reveals that prolonged use of paracetamol may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke in people with high blood pressure.
The researchers, scientists from the University of Edinburgh, are studying the effects of regular paracetamol dosage in patients with high blood pressure. The study analyzed 110 participants with a history of hypertension.
They were given 1 gram of paracetamol daily, a common dose for patients with chronic pain. Others received an equivalent placebo for two weeks, after which treatment would be discontinued before switching to the alternative option.
All patients received both treatments, and after each period, their 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure was measured.
Results of using this medication
The study found that those who took paracetamol showed a significant increase in mean daytime systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to those who received a placebo.
This demonstrates that regular daily consumption of 4 grams of paracetamol increases systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients by approximately 5 mmHg compared to a placebo. This increases the patient’s cardiovascular risk, thus calling into question the safety of paracetamol use.
For this reason, experts are reconsidering adjusting long-term paracetamol dosages, especially in people with high blood pressure, as it has already been shown to increase the risk of heart disease.
It’s important to remember that hypertension is the leading risk factor for stroke. It is also a risk factor for other diseases, such as ischemic heart disease, kidney disease, and vascular diseases in general.
