Stroke Association comment in response to new research on regular paracetamol use and high blood pressure - the journal Circulation

Dr Richard Francis, Head of Research Stroke Association said: “High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke. This new and robust study, adds to previous research and suggests regular paracetamol use causes blood pressure to quickly increase in people who are already at risk of stroke and heart attacks. It’s therefore important that doctors regularly review and weigh up the risks and benefits of prescribing paracetamol. Patients in this study had pre-existing high blood pressure, so further studies in people with normal healthy blood pressure, over longer time periods are needed to confirm the risks and benefits of using paracetamol more widely.

“Getting your blood pressure checked regularly is vital to reduce your risk of a stroke. You can get your blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy, at an NHS Health Check appointment, at your GP surgery and at home. If caught early, high blood pressure can be monitored and treated, reducing your risk of a life-changing stroke.”