Birch Photographer/Shutterstock Acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, is a drug used to treat moderate pain such as a headache or toothache, as well as reduce fevers, according to WebMD. Side effects of Tylenol are similar to other over-the-counter (OTC) pain-relief medications, and
include nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and itching, among others, according to RxList. Many people don't realize that many pain-relief drugs also have another side effect — raising your blood pressure. Obviously, this can be dangerous. The risks of high blood pressure, especially when combined with other comorbidities, are numerous, including heart attack and damage to blood vessels,
according to Mayo Clinic. High blood pressure is defined as being 130/80 or higher, according to the American Heart Association. If you have high blood pressure, you may consider avoiding OTC painkillers unless absolutely needed. But what about
Tylenol? Is it safe to take acetaminophen if you have high blood pressure?
calimedia/Shutterstock Certain pain-relief drugs will
raise blood pressure, so people with high blood pressure should avoid them, specifically aspirin, ibuprofen (i.e. Advil, etc.), and naproxen sodium (Aleve), according to Mayo Clinic. They do this by causing your body to retain water, which
causes fluids to build and drives your blood pressure upwards, as well as potentially causing kidney problems. This is why if you look on the back of many bottles of pain-relief drugs, there is a warning telling you not to exceed a certain dosage due to damage to your kidneys. However, despite the risks of increasing blood pressure that some OTC pain relievers carry, Tylenol is one type of pain relief drug that does not raise blood pressure, according to WebMD. Acetaminophen may be recommended by your doctor for pain relief if you have high blood pressure for this reason. If you're still worried, there are many natural forms of pain relief, such as yoga, lavender essential oil, and ginger, according to Medical News Today.
New Africa/Shutterstock There are many other options for natural pain relief if neither yoga or Tylenol are doing the trick. Many of these
alternative pain relief methods also avoid having to take medication. For example, heat and ice are some of the most common ways to reduce pain. Applying an ice pack is extremely helpful in reducing swelling and inflammation after an injury, while heat reduces the stiffness from strained muscles, according to
Healthline. Another possible way to provide relief is acupuncture. It has been used in Asia for centuries and has since made its way to Western countries to help with headaches, menstrual cramps, and other painful ailments (per Harvard Health). It should be
noted that the evidence regarding acupuncture is mixed; some researchers believe it to reduce pain, while others have not found evidence for its pain relief properties. However, the risks from acupuncture are very low if you go to a certified acupuncturist, so it may be worth a try to reduce your pain, according to Mayo Clinic.Certain pain-relief drugs will raise blood pressure
Treat
pain with natural remedies
New survey commissioned by the American Heart Association found high blood pressure patients unsure of how to safely treat pain
DALLAS, Nov. 2, 2021 – While nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (HBP), only 29% think over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers may raise blood pressure, according to a recent survey commissioned by the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all.
According to the American Heart Association’s 2017 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure, high blood pressure is defined as a consistent blood pressure measurement of 130 over 80 or higher. The guidelines also state that some OTC pain relievers may elevate blood pressure.
While majority of adults in the general population, as well as people with high blood pressure, aren’t sure about the effect of OTC pain medicine on their blood pressure, only a little more than half of those diagnosed with high blood pressure, who take OTC pain relievers (53%) check with their doctor before taking this medicine.
“People who have high blood pressure or are being treated with blood pressure medication – along with their loved ones and caretakers – need to be informed about safe over-the-counter pain relievers,” said Willie Lawrence, Jr., M.D., interventional cardiologist, medical director for health equity, Spectrum Health in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and volunteer lead of the American Heart Association’s National Hypertension Control Initiative oversight committee.
“Because some pain relievers may cause elevated blood pressure, the American Heart Association recommends consulting your doctor or pharmacist and making sure you read the label before taking any over-the-counter medication for pain, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure.”
Conducted by The Harris Poll, the survey polled 2,013 U.S. adults aged 18 and older. Additional findings from the survey include:
- 38% of those with high blood pressure think over-the-counter pain relievers may raise blood pressure.
- Only 21% of U.S. adults know that acetaminophen does not raise blood pressure, and those with high blood pressure are only slightly more aware of this fact (28%).
- 39% of U.S. adults with high blood pressure report acetaminophen is the over-the-counter medication they take most often for pain.
- Only 10% of U.S. adults with HBP self-measure their BP multiple times a day and only 14% do so at least once a day.
In the U.S., high blood pressure is the No. 1 preventable cause of heart disease and stroke and second only to cigarette smoking as a preventable cause of death for any reason. Checking your blood pressure regularly at home with a validated blood pressure device for the most accurate reading and working with your doctor on a plan to control it, is a proven way to manage your blood pressure.
For more information on managing high blood pressure, visit //www.heart.org/bptools.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association from June 24-28,2021 among 2,013 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Toiya Honoré, national director, communications, American Heart Association.
For Media Inquiries:
Toiya Honoré
; 214-706-1456
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)