Health
Frequent use of painkillers increases hypertension risk
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 12, 2005
Women who take acetaminophen or ibuprofen are more likely to develop hypertension, according to a study in the Aug. 25 Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Assn.
Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses Health Studies I and II. Older women from the first study who took more than 500 mg per day of acetaminophen were 93% more likely to develop hypertension. Younger women from the second study who used the drug at this dosage were 99% more likely. Older women who used more than 400 mg of ibuprofen daily were 78% more at risk for hypertension, and younger ones were 60% more at risk. No increased risk was found with aspirin use.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/09/12/hlbf0912.htm.
