Millions of Britons regularly taking paracetamol are being urged to exercise caution following startling new research that links prolonged use to significantly increased blood pressure. The study, conducted by Edinburgh University and published in the respected journal Circulation, challenges long-held assumptions about the drug's safety profile.
Researchers discovered that patients who took paracetamol daily experienced blood pressure increases comparable to those typically associated with NSAIDs like ibuprofen - a finding that could reshape medical guidance around the world's most common pain medication.
Alarming Statistics for Regular Users
The comprehensive study followed 110 volunteers with pre-existing high blood pressure, randomly assigning them to either one gram of paracetamol four times daily or a placebo for two weeks. The results were concerning: those taking the actual medication saw their systolic blood pressure rise by an average of 4.7mmHg compared to the placebo group.
Professor James Dear, personal chairman of clinical pharmacology at Edinburgh University and study co-author, emphasised the significance: "This is not about short-term use for headaches or fever. Our research specifically shows that regular daily intake appears to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease through increased blood pressure."
Why This Changes Everything
Paracetamol has long been considered the safest painkiller option for people with hypertension and cardiovascular concerns. Many medical professionals routinely recommend it over anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, which are known to raise blood pressure and increase heart disease risk.
Dr. Iain MacIntyre, consultant in clinical pharmacology and nephrology at NHS Lothian and co-author, explained the paradigm shift: "We've always assumed paracetamol was safe for blood pressure, but our study shows we should be just as cautious as with other common painkillers."
What This Means for Patients
Medical experts stress that occasional paracetamol use for acute pain remains appropriate. The concern lies with regular, long-term consumption - particularly among those already managing hypertension or at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, medical director at the British Heart Foundation which funded the research, advised: "If you're regularly taking paracetamol to manage chronic pain, it's crucial to discuss this with your doctor about the most appropriate treatment options for your situation."
The research team recommends that doctors and clinicians begin the lowest effective dose of paracetamol for the shortest necessary duration, mirroring existing guidance for anti-inflammatory medications.
