08.16.05:Painkillers raise blood pressure in women

WASHINGTON, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Women who take higher doses of common, over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and even Tylenol have higher blood pressure than women who do not, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.

Only aspirin did not raise the risk of high blood pressure among the women, who were followed for three to four years to see which ones developed high blood pressure.

The researchers said their findings, published in the journal Hypertension, add to a growing list of research that suggests all painkillers, prescription and non-prescription, carry health risks and should be used carefully.

This includes acetaminophen or paracetamol, sold by Johnson & Johnson Co. <JNJ.N> under the brand name Tylenol.