A new study reveals long-term paracetamol use raises the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, prompting health warnings for chronic pain patients

A recent medical study raises serious concerns about the long-term use of paracetamol, particularly regarding paracetamol risks for hypertension. Conducted by experts at the University of Edinburgh, the research found that regular use of paracetamol—often considered one of the safest over-the-counter painkillers—can elevate blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Previously, paracetamol was deemed a safer alternative for individuals with hypertension compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. However, this new study suggests that the impact of paracetamol on blood pressure is comparable to that of NSAIDs. Health experts now warn that the rise in blood pressure could potentially increase the risk of heart disease by as much as 20% for regular users.

The study primarily focused on individuals with chronic pain who are prescribed paracetamol over a long period. Researchers recommend that healthcare providers prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary to mitigate these newly discovered risks. Professor James Dear, chair of clinical pharmacology at the University of Edinburgh, emphasized the need for patients and doctors to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of paracetamol, particularly for those with cardiovascular concerns. “We’ve shown that even two weeks of treatment can raise blood pressure in patients with hypertension,” he noted.

Despite the concerning findings, Dr Iain MacIntyre, lead investigator and consultant in clinical pharmacology, assured that occasional paracetamol use remains safe. He emphasized that the study’s results specifically apply to long-term, regular use—common among patients with chronic pain—while short-term use for headaches, fever, or minor ailments does not carry the same paracetamol risks for hypertension.

In a related statement, Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the research, stressed the importance of regularly reviewing long-term medications. “These findings highlight the need for ongoing discussions between patients and healthcare providers about the continued necessity of any medication,” Samani said. He underscored the need for individuals with pre-existing conditions, particularly hypertension, to carefully consider the risks involved in extended paracetamol use.

The study also revealed that once patients stopped taking the medication, their blood pressure returned to the baseline level recorded at the beginning of the research, further indicating that paracetamol was responsible for the elevated levels. The exact number of people in the UK who are both long-term users of paracetamol and have high blood pressure is unknown, but experts estimate that about one-third of UK adults with hypertension may be regular users of the painkiller.

As these findings spread through the healthcare community, attention will turn to balancing the benefits of paracetamol for chronic pain management with the paracetamol risks for hypertension and cardiovascular health.

Analysis

Political: This new study presents significant implications for public health policy and pharmaceutical regulations. As health experts raise concerns about the long-term use of paracetamol, there may be pressure on regulatory bodies like the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US to update guidelines for pain management, particularly for patients with hypertension or other cardiovascular risks. Governments could face challenges in balancing access to affordable pain relief and the potential health risks identified in this study. Additionally, political debates around the cost of healthcare may emerge as more patients are advised to seek alternatives, potentially increasing the financial burden of safer yet more expensive pain management solutions.

Social: The study’s findings tap into ongoing societal conversations about the role of medication in chronic disease management and the reliance on pharmaceuticals for pain relief. With pain management already being a complex issue—especially for those with long-term conditions—this news may encourage more individuals to seek non-medication alternatives, such as physiotherapy, mindfulness, or lifestyle changes. Social attitudes towards “safe” medications like paracetamol could shift, leading to greater public scrutiny of commonly accepted pain management practices. On the other hand, for those dealing with chronic pain, these findings may exacerbate anxiety about available options, with many already feeling limited in their choices.

Gender: Gender dynamics also come into play, as women are more likely to experience chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, migraines, and arthritis, which often require long-term pain management strategies. With the new health risks associated with regular paracetamol use, women—particularly those managing chronic pain—may find themselves in a difficult position. The increased cardiovascular risk could also pose more significant concerns for post-menopausal women, who already face heightened heart disease risks. The lack of safe, effective, and affordable pain relief options could further exacerbate existing gender inequities in healthcare, particularly in pain management, where women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Economic: The economic impact of these findings could be substantial, both for individuals and healthcare systems. For long-term users of paracetamol, the need to shift to alternative pain management methods—such as more expensive prescription medications, therapies, or treatments—could place a financial strain on individuals, particularly those without comprehensive healthcare coverage. On a broader scale, public health systems may face increased costs as they potentially accommodate a rise in demand for alternative treatments or medications. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies may also experience a shift in consumer behavior as more patients become wary of paracetamol, possibly leading to declining sales of over-the-counter painkillers.

The study further brings into question the economic consequences of widespread over-the-counter availability of medications, pushing for more rigorous control measures and better patient education. Ensuring that vulnerable populations, including those with pre-existing conditions, receive appropriate healthcare guidance will be crucial in mitigating both health risks and economic costs.