Last Updated on June 28, 2022 by The Health Master
This commonly used drug is linked to risk of high BP
A study has found a link between acetaminophen and high blood pressure
What this new finding has brought to the limelight is an eye-opener for those who pop over-the-counter (OTC) drugs on a regular basis.
A meta-analysis has found a link between the consumption of acetaminophen and the incidence of high blood pressure in those with cardiovascular risks.
This new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has found people who received acetaminophen had an elevated blood pressure than others. A total of 172 participants were included in the study.
What is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is widely used to get relief from low to moderate pain.
Also known as paracetamol, it is also used to bring down high temperatures associated with the common cold and flu.
Though it is widely used, many times without a doctor’s prescription, health experts have always warned against its overconsumption. High doses of Acetaminophen are toxic to the liver as well.
New research has now found a link between the drug and high blood pressure. This calls for immediate attention and checks on mindless self-prescription of this drug.
What did the study find?
The study found that out of the 172 participants, 73% of whom were men, those taking acetaminophen over the course of 2-3 weeks had higher blood pressure than the placebo group.
This elevation was seen in the systolic blood pressure, while no significant change was observed in the diastolic blood pressure.
The mean age of the study group was 59 years.
Several studies have warned against the use of this drug for those with cardiovascular risk factors
The study has warned that patients with pre-existing hypertension conditions or those with cardiovascular risk factors should be cautious while consuming the drug.
People with cardiovascular risk have always relied on acetaminophen as a safer alternative to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
Several other research studies have also shown negative results on this dependency.
A Swiss study on 33 patients with angina, bypass surgery, or angioplasty and those diagnosed with cholesterol-clogged arteries found that administering acetaminophen to these patients 2-3 times a day for two weeks resulted in an increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
There was no blood pressure change in those who took the placebo.
What are the various risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease?
Several factors which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease are:
- Having diabetes
- Having elevated blood pressure
- Regular smoking
- Having high cholesterol
- Overweight or obese
- Having a history of cardiovascular disease among close family members
- Not having enough sleep
- Living under tremendous stress
- Lack of physical activity
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