Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, is a widely used over-the-counter medication for mild to moderate pain. Past studies have shown that it is the preferred pain treatment for people with heart disease over other types of pain medications such as NSAIDs. However, a new study using a mouse model has discovered that acetaminophen can potentially affect heart function by changing proteins in cardiovascular tissue. Researchers found significant changes in the heart tissue proteins of mice given acetaminophen compared to those that were not, affecting biochemical pathways needed for important functions like energy production and antioxidant use.Certain studies have found that acetaminophen is safe for people with cardiovascular disease and is not associated with an increased risk of stroke or other cardiovascular events. However, newer research has suggested potential risks of sodium-containing acetaminophen in increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in individuals with or without high blood pressure. Regularly taking high doses of acetaminophen has also been linked to increased systolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, potentially increasing their risk of heart disease. Researchers believe that gaining a better understanding of how acetaminophen may affect the heart is essential for improving patient safety, optimizing treatment decisions, and guiding future research efforts.
While both acetaminophen and NSAIDs help with pain relief, NSAIDs also lower inflammation, which acetaminophen does not do. Past research has shown that NSAID use is associated with an increased risk of stroke and other cardiovascular conditions. The recent study on acetaminophen aimed to determine if the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs were responsible for changes in heart tissue proteins, as acetaminophen does not possess anti-inflammatory properties. Cardiologists were surprised by the findings of the study, as acetaminophen has long been considered safe for people with heart conditions. Further research is needed to determine whether the effects seen in mice translate to humans and to explore potential subpopulations more vulnerable to the cardiac effects of acetaminophen.
Cardiologists are cautious about the implications of the study findings, as acetaminophen may have significant effects on signaling pathways in the heart tissue even at moderate doses considered safe for use. This suggests that the commonly used painkiller may not be as benign as previously thought, especially when used regularly over time. Further investigations are needed to understand the mechanisms by which acetaminophen affects the heart and cardiovascular system and whether similar findings can be replicated in humans. It is important to increase awareness of the potential risks associated with acetaminophen use to make better decisions for patient care, especially for individuals with preexisting cardiovascular conditions or other comorbidities.
The study findings raise concerns about the effects of acetaminophen on the heart and cardiovascular system. More research is needed to determine the implications of these findings for human health and whether there are certain subpopulations of patients who may be more susceptible to the cardiac effects of acetaminophen. Understanding the potential risks associated with acetaminophen use is crucial for patient care, management of comorbidities, and guiding future research and development efforts. Initiating human studies to investigate cardiac outcomes from acetaminophen and exploring certain subpopulations more vulnerable to its effects are crucial next steps in advancing our understanding of this commonly used pain reliever.
