Should you take tylenol if you have high blood pressure

When matters of the heart matter most, recommend TYLENOL®

TYLENOL® may be a good analgesic choice for patients with certain cardiovascular conditions1

92.1 million American adults have at least one type of cardiovascular disease2

When recommending an analgesic, it’s important to consider patients’ heart risks. The combination of certain pain relievers with some medicinal therapies can interfere with cardiovascular treatment. Because of its safety and analgesic efficacy, the American Heart Association has identified acetaminophen as a first-line pain relief option for patients with, or at high risk for, cardiovascular disease.3*

50 million American adults are on aspirin heart therapy4

Ibuprofen may inhibit aspirin’s cardioprotective benefits. Ibuprofen binds to the cyclooxygenase (COX-1) enzyme, which can interfere with aspirin’s ability to bind to COX-1 and exert its antiplatelet effect.1*

Watch ibuprofen interfere with aspirin’s cardioprotective benefits—and learn how TYLENOL® does not1

Aspirin binds to platelet COX-1 to inhibit platelet aggregation and to protect against myocardial infarction. Ibuprofen binds to the same area of the COX-1 enzyme. When a patient takes ibuprofen prior to taking aspirin, aspirin is blocked from reaching its binding sites.1 Adding an NSAID to aspirin can also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.5

TYLENOL® does not interfere with the cardioprotective benefits of aspirin the way ibuprofen can1

Visit the Resource Library to explore patient and practice support resources.

TYLENOL® is an appropriate analgesic choice to consider for patients on aspirin heart therapy1

Updated NSAID warnings: help your patients understand risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required an update to the Drug Facts labeling of all adult and pediatric non-aspirin OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example Motrin®, Advil®, and Aleve® products. These strengthen and expand existing warnings relating to the risk of heart attack and stroke associated with NSAIDs.6

TYLENOL® does not have a cardiovascular risk warning on its label

Download the NSAID Warning Comparison Guide for more information.

*When symptoms are not controlled by nonpharmacological approaches.

REFERENCES: 1. Catella-Lawson F, Reilly MP, Kapoor SC, et al. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors and the antiplatelet effects of aspirin. N Engl J Med. 2001;345(25):1809-1817. 2. American Heart Association. Heart disease and stroke statistics 2017 at-a-glance. https://healthmetrics.heart.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Heart-Disease-and-Stroke-Statistics-2017-ucm_491265.pdf. Accessed January 12, 2018. 3. Antman EM, Bennett JS, Daugherty A, Furberg C, Roberts H, Taubert KA. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: an update for clinicians: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2007;115(12):1634-1642. 4. Campbell CL, Smyth S, Montalescot G, Steinhubl SR. Aspirin dose for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. JAMA. 2007;297(18):2018-2024. 5. Bhatt DL, Scheiman J, Abraham NS, et al. ACCF/ACG/AHA 2008 expert consensus document on reducing the gastrointestinal risks of antiplatelet therapy and NSAID use. Circulation. 2008;118(8):1894-1909. 6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA strengthens warning of heart attack and stroke risk for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm453610.htm. Accessed January 12, 2018.  7. Rahman MM, Kopec JA, Cibere J, Goldsmith CH, Anis AH. The relationship between osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease in a population health survey: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2013;3(5):e002624.

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 https://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)

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