A Common Painkiller May Hide a Silent Risk to Your Heart

A recent medical study has revealed that the regular use of paracetamol – one of the most widely used painkillers worldwide – may not be as safe as previously believed, particularly for people with high blood pressure.

While paracetamol has often been preferred over non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, because it was considered less harmful to the heart, a study published in 2022 found that this medication could raise blood pressure to a similar extent. This, in turn, increases the risk of heart disease and strokes by up to 20%.

Experts warn that this effect could be worrying for patients who rely on paracetamol for long periods to manage chronic pain, since unnoticed rises in blood pressure can lead to serious complications without the patient realizing it at first.

Professor James Dear, a clinical pharmacology expert at the University of Edinburgh, stated:
“The findings show that paracetamol, despite its widespread use, is not free of risk. It causes an increase in blood pressure, which is a major factor in the development of heart attacks and strokes.”

He added that even a short treatment period – as little as two weeks – was enough to observe a significant rise in blood pressure among patients who already suffered from hypertension.

Specialists therefore recommend caution when using paracetamol, especially for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease or those who take it regularly. They emphasize the need to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, and to consult a doctor if long-term use is required.