The preliminary study results from a Sydney-based Michael Davies, a deputy director of Heart Research Institute has found a link to suggest that paracetamol, has protective effects against heart diseases. Paracetamol which is a pain relief medication has the ability to inhibit the enzyme that is associated with increased risk for heart attack.

Through the study, Australian researchers observed for the presence of compounds that block the enzyme (myeloperoxidase) as they mixed human cells with paracetamol together.

The results were stated to be remarkable and very promising. James Tatouli, the chief medical adviser of Heart Research Institute also said that the research was new and is very convincing.

The enzyme which is responsible for higher risk of heart attacks is called myeloperoxidase. It produces hypochlorous acid which is a free radical that is damaging to the tissue of the heart, at very high levels.

Presently, clinical trials are being planned to further check if patients taking paracetamol do truly experience lowered risks for heart attacks.

If results are positive, paracetamol will be the new rival of aspirin. Other research shows that the painkiller also has protective effects against breast cancer, colorectal cancer and Parkinson's disease.

As there are risks with any medication, paracetamol has its own undesirable side effects too. When taken in large dosage, it can lead to kidney and liver complications.

Michael Davis warned Australians to not start self-medicating themselves with the painkiller, without discussing with their physicians. Cases of allergic reactions have been found to occur in some people.

Medicine