Men who use analgesics are not likely to be at a greater risk of high blood pressure than those who don’t, according to a study in the Sept. 12 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Although the original analysis of the same data did find a significant association of cumulative analgesic use and high blood pressure, this study, which considered other contributing factors to high blood pressure, did not. Researchers also noted no difference in men who took high quantities of the drugs and those who took low quantities.
- Reuters article: Analgesic Use Not Linked with High Blood Pressure
- Study abstract: Analgesic Use and Risk of Subsequent Hypertension in Apparently Healthy Men
For information on other studies of analgesic use, see Another Problem with Painkillers.
Good question, Leslie.
Women didn’t participate in this study, but a study published in August showed that taking more than 400 milligrams of NSAIDs per day increased the risk of high blood pressure by 78% in women 51 to 77 years old and by 60% in women between the ages of 34 and 53. Daily use of more than 500 milligrams of acetaminophen raised the risk of high blood pressure by 93% in women in the older age group and by 99% in younger women.
For more information — http://www.thedailyheadache.com/2005/08/tylenol_ibuprof.html
-Kerrie
What about women who use analgesics?