Overview

• Researchers reported that blood pressure increased during two weeks of daily paracetamol in patients with hypertension and returned to baseline after the drug was stopped.
• Scientists estimate the observed blood-pressure rise could translate to roughly a 20% higher risk of heart disease or stroke, describing this as an implication rather than a measured outcome.
• Clinicians are urged to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and to regularly reassess long-term paracetamol use with patients who have cardiovascular risk.
• The lead investigator said occasional short-term use for headaches or fever is not a concern, with the risk focused on regular, longer-term use for chronic pain.
• The British Heart Foundation supported the research, and experts note that many hypertensive adults likely use paracetamol regularly, with one estimate suggesting about one in three in the UK.