Antiseptic Mouthwashes Cause Heart Attack?

Antiseptic mouthwash has been branded a "disaster" for health by scientists who claim it raises blood pressure increasing the chance of heart attacks and strokes, Newsmax Health reports.

When 19 volunteers started using Corsodyl twice a day their blood pressure went up by between 2 and 3.5 units (mmgh).

A two-point rise in blood pressure increased the risk of dying from heart disease by seven per cent and stroke by ten per cent, according to separate research.

But dental professionals have cautioned against drawing conclusions from such a small study.

GlaxoSmithKline, which manufactures Corsodyl, said it was meant for short-term use to stop plaque and fight gum disease.

The pharmaceutical giant makes another product Corsodyl Daily, which contains just 0.06 per cent chlorhexidine for everyday use.

The spokesman said their own research had “not highlighted any concerns regarding the use of Corsodyl 0.2 per cent mouthwash as directed and increases in blood pressure.”

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