Hypertension News:

Acetaminophen May Offer Safer Pain Relief for Hypertensives Than Ibuprofen

Those who either have or are at risk of developing heart or circulatory problems may want to consider taking acetaminophen to relieve their aches and pains rather than ibuprofen.

A study highlighted in the May issue of the American Journal of Therapeutics found that ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart failure in people with kidney problems, high blood pressure and a history of heart disease, as well as those currently taking diuretics or other medicines to control high blood pressure.

"Certain types of pain reliever may put you at risk of suffering from heart or circulatory problems, and you should consult your doctor/pharmacist before taking a pain reliever," said W. Stewart Hillis, the author of the study and a professor of medicine at the Univeristy of Glasgow in Scotland.

Hillis said people at risk of devloping heart or circulatory problems by taking ibuprofen include those with a history of heart disease, kidney problems and high blood pressure as well as those currently taking diuretics or other medicines to control high blood pressure.

"Your doctor/pharmacist may recommend paracetamol (acetaminophen) as your first choice for pain relief as it can be taken by people with heart or circulatory problems," said Hillis, who noted that paracetamol has proven to be safe with no link to heart failure.

Ibuprofen is a member of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family. Although newer types of NSAIDs, known as cyclo-oxygenase-2-selective inhibitors, have been developed to have fewer side effects, Hillis said their heart safety is under study and they should be used with caution in people at risk.

Source: Hypertension Week of May 12, 2002