Study has found a link between acetaminophen and high blood pressure
What this new finding has brought to limelight, is an eye opener for those who pop in over the counter drugs on a regular basis. A meta-analysis has found a link between the consumption of acetaminophen and 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 common cold and flu.
Though it is widely used, many times even without a doctor's prescription, health experts have always warned against its overconsumption. High doses of Acetaminophen are toxic to the liver as well.
Now the current finding has found a link between the drug and high blood pressure. This calls for an immediate attention and check on mindless self-prescription of this drug.
Read: 5 reasons that drive a surge in COVID cases, as per experts
What did the study find?
The study found that out of the 172 participants, 73% of which were men, those having acetaminophen over the course of 2-3 weeks had a 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 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 depended 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 had found that upon 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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