People who regularly take paracetamol are being warned about the risks it poses to their health.
Paracetamol is commonly used to treat headaches and other pains to provide some short-term relief.
However, taking the painkiller on a regular basis can increase your risk of certain life-threatening conditions.
Research has shown that paracetamol can affect your blood pressure.
Risks of taking paracetamol regularly
Paracetamol has a similar effect on your blood pressure to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs).
Experts are warning that NSAIDs will also raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease while providing pain relief.
Professor James Dear, personal chairman of clinical pharmacology at the University of Edinburgh, said: "This study clearly shows that paracetamol, the world's most used drug, increases blood pressure, one of the most important risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
"In summary, we've shown that two weeks of treatment with paracetamol increases blood pressure in patients who have hypertension (high blood pressure)."
People who are at risk of cardiovascular disease should talk to their doctor about the risks versus the benefits of taking paracetamol and other NSAIDs.
Anyone who takes paracetamol occasionally does not need to be worried.
Lead investigator Dr Iain MacIntyre, consultant in clinical pharmacology and nephrology at NHS Lothian, said: "This is not about short-term use of paracetamol for headaches or fever, which is, of course, fine - but it does indicate a newly discovered risk for people who take it regularly over the longer term, usually for chronic pain."
It is estimated that around one in three adults in the UK who have high blood pressure also take paracetamol on a regular basis.
Who else cannot take paracetamol
While taking paracetamol to help with a cold or any aches is usually fine for most adults, the NHS has released advice on who cannot take it.
You should not take it if you have had an allergic reaction to it before, if you have a liver or kidney condition or if you are dependent on alcohol or binge drink.
You can take paracetamol if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, as it will not harm your baby.
Do you take paracetamol regularly and will you be seeking advice from your doctor? Let us know in the comments.
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