If you take certain pain relievers very frequently, it may be a good idea to have your blood pressure checked every year.
Recent research revealed that women who regularly took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofin or naproxen, had a higher than normal risk for high blood pressure. Only women taking these medications for 22 or more days per month appeared to experience the increased risk.
Research into the link between frequent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and the risk of high blood pressure is in the early stages. Very frequent use of acetaminophen also appeared to be linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure. Experts caution that, although very frequent use of NSAIDs may increase high blood pressure risk in some people, it does not mean that people should avoid these medications. For some people with chronic conditions, these medications make an important contribution to quality of life. However, if you do frequently take NSAIDs or acetaminophen, be sure to have your blood pressure screened regularly, perhaps as often as every year.
Wow. I can actually see it in the headlines now:
"Abbee just died. Talk about Advil suicide!" w00t! LOL.
