A recent study has warned about the dangers of excessive consumption of "paracetamol" tablets, especially as many people are resorting to them for their effectiveness in reducing fever and relieving pain amidst the widespread prevalence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Research conducted by scientists at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland found that regular intake of paracetamol increases the risk of heart attack for one in four Britons. Experts cautioned that long-term use of this over-the-counter medication could spell bad news for those with high blood pressure. They noted that taking two paracetamol painkillers daily increases the risk of heart attack or stroke by 20% for individuals suffering from hypertension.
Researchers emphasized that doctors should prescribe the lowest possible dosage for the shortest time necessary when treating pain. Dr. Ian McIntyre, a physician in Scotland, stated, "This is not about short-term use of paracetamol for headaches or fever, which is fine, but the study suggests a newly discovered risk for people who take it regularly over the long term, usually due to chronic pain."
Paramedics often give paracetamol to those suffering from long-term pain instead of ibuprofen, as ibuprofen is known to raise blood pressure. However, a study involving 110 patients published in the journal Circulation found that paracetamol significantly raises blood pressure in individuals who already have high levels.
Experts indicated that it only took a few days for blood pressure readings to rise, with some participants in the trial experiencing "very high" spikes in blood pressure. However, blood pressure also quickly decreased once individuals stopped taking the tablets.
For his part, Professor James Dear stated, "This study clearly shows that paracetamol – the most widely used medication in the world – raises blood pressure, which is one of the most significant risk factors for heart attacks and strokes," according to the British newspaper The Sun. He added, "Doctors and patients alike must weigh the risks against the benefits of long-term paracetamol prescriptions."
