Paracetamol abuse increases heart disease risks

Washington, Mar 16 (Prensa Latina) Paracetamol is nowadays one of the world´s most widely used drugs, but consuming it too much increases the risk of heart disease and strokes in people suffering from high blood pressure, according to the Circulation journal.

Patients who resort to Paracetamol should take low doses for the shortest possible time, experts explained.

“The results of the research should lead to a review of long-term paracetamol prescriptions to patients, in particular those who suffer from high blood pressure or are at special risk of suffering from heart disease or stroke.”

Paracetamol is often prescribed as a safer alternative to another class of pain killers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are known to increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

“This is not about short-term use of paracetamol for headache or fever, but it does indicate a newly found risk for people who take it regularly long-term, usually for chronic pain,” specialists stated.