Paracetamol: an adverse effect identified in hypertensives

Is paracetamol linked to hypertension?

Paracetamol is a chemical compound with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Also called acetaminophen, it is the painkiller most consumed by the French, but also the most prescribed worldwide. Many drugs contain paracetamol, such as Doliprane, Efferalgan or Dafalgan. The prescribed doses of this medication must be respected, as well as the duration in order to avoid overdose and potential harmful consequences for health. Indeed, it would seem that paracetamol can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems, as claimed by a British study published in the scientific journal Traffic.

Researchers wanted to know what were the dangers of regular paracetamol on blood pressure in people with hypertension. Specifically, their goal was to determine if the drug was actually causing the high blood pressure and if other factors might have a role.

An increase in systolic pressure

Funded by the British Heart Foundation, the study was carried out with around a hundred volunteers who already had hypertension. They received 4 grams of paracetamol at a rate of one gram every four hours for two weeks, then a placebo for another two weeks. As a reminder, a placebo is a drug without an active ingredient. Thus, the specialists were able to compare the effects of paracetamol in isolation on blood pressure.

According to the conclusions of the British researchers, paracetamol causes a rise of 5 mm Hg on the systolic pressure. The latter represents the value of the pressure in the artery during cardiac contraction and corresponds to the highest figure. On the other hand, an elevation of 1.5 mm Hg was observed on the diastolic pressure. It corresponds to the lowest number and the blood pressure when the heart is at rest. Although slight, this increase in blood pressure remains significant.

For the researchers, this elevation could nevertheless lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as stroke, of which hypertension represents a significant risk factor.

What about the effects on a one-time paracetamol intake?

For now, paracetamol remains a safe and effective drug, with lower cardiovascular risks than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Despite this potential adverse effect, the study does not call into question the benefits of paracetamol taken occasionally to reduce fever, fight headaches or temporary pain.

However, its possible long-term repercussions on chronic pain, in particular for osteoarthritis as well as in non-hypertensive people, now remain to be known.