Doctors have recommended aspirin to patients with high risk of developing heart disease for decades to reduce the chance of suffering a stroke or heart attack.

What about high blood pressure?

This condition can increase your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. You may feel it smart to take aspirin to lower hypertension.

Therefore, aspirin is not linked to blood pressure benefits and is not recommended for all people. It may also increase your risk of developing some health problems.

This article will help you to stay safe. It discusses hypertension and the possible benefits and risks of aspirin taking for heart health. I also discuss proven ways to lower hypertension. When it is best to speak to a healthcare provider to determine if aspirin therapy might be right for your needs.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension refers to high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is too high when it flows through your circulatory system.

This pressure can cause damage to your heart and narrow your veins over time.

Hypertension is a condition where blood pressure readings are repeated that exceed 130 mm Hg (top number) or 80 mm Hg (bottom number).

High blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular disease and other health problems such as:

  • Stroke
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Vision loss
  • Renal disease
  • Heart failure
  • Memory problems, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, can cause cognitive difficulties.

Hypertension can be treated by taking steps to lower blood pressure and improve overall health.

A few lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier, exercising more, managing stress and reducing salt, can help to lower blood pressure.

Antihypertensive medication may also be required if lifestyle changes don’t work.

What is Low-Dose Aspirin?

Acetylsalicylic Acid, also known as Aspirin, is an over-the counter non-steroidal antiinflammatory (NSAID), a medicine used to treat fever, headaches, and body pain.

There are many forms of aspirin:

  • Traditional tablet
  • Tablets delayed-release
  • Tablet Chewable
  • Tablets with enteric coating
  • Capsules with extended release
  • Chewing gum

Dosage strengths vary depending on the form. They can range from 75 to 500 milligrams (mg)

People usually consume between 75-325 mg of aspirin daily (also known as “baby aspirin”).

Why doctors recommend low-dose aspirin

Aspirin is a NSAID that works just like the others. It also has the added benefit of reducing blood platelet clotting.

This can reduce the chance of suffering a stroke or heart attack.

Doctors may prescribe aspirin at a low dosage to patients who have had a heart attack or had heart disease in the past.

Aspirin can improve blood flow and prevent major cardiovascular events in these people.

Before prescribing aspirin, a doctor considers the following:

  • Medical history
  • Health history of the family
  • Prescription medications, OTC (over-the-counter) drugs and dietary supplements.
  • Allergies and sensitivities

A doctor will prescribe a dosage strength and time to take daily aspirin therapy if someone is suitable.

Low-Dose Aspirin: Risks

Aspirin is not for everyone.

A person who has never had a heart attack, or does not have a history with heart disease, may not be able to benefit from the treatment and could increase their risk.

  • Inflammation of the airways
  • Bleeding in brain
  • Heartburn
  • Increased bleeding or bruising
  • Indigestion
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Failure of the kidneys
  • Liver damage
  • Nausea
  • Nosebleed
  • Stomach irritation
  • Vomiting

Don’t take aspirin daily if you take blood thinners, cough medicine, or dietary supplements known to thin blood. This can increase your chance of side effects.

Do not take aspirin if you are pregnant, have an asthma attack, a bleeding disorder, stomach ulcer, kidney disease or liver disease, or if your blood pressure is high.

There are other ways to lower blood pressure

You can lower your blood pressure by taking steps.

Many people find that eating healthier, exercising more, quitting smoking and losing weight help lower blood pressure.

Your doctor may recommend OTC or prescription medication if you have high blood pressure or lifestyle changes that are not enough to reduce it.

Diet

High blood pressure can be reduced by eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Many doctors recommend that patients with hypertension follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop High Blood Pressure (DASH).

This flexible eating plan encourages you to eat foods high in potassium, magnesium and fiber. It also limits sodium, fat and sugar intake.

Research has shown that DASH diet guidelines can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol within weeks for prehypertension patients.

Stop smoking

Tobacco products contain nicotine, which can narrow veins and increase heart rate. This in turn increases blood pressure.

It can also cause a hardening of the arteries, making it more likely that blood will clot, increasing your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

The health benefits of quitting smoking are immediate.

Your blood pressure and heart rate will drop within a few hours after quitting smoking.

Your risk of having a heart attack within a day decreases and declines after that.

You may notice a difference in the quality of your circulation and feel warmer hands and feet after a few weeks.

After a year of quitting smoking, your risk of heart attack drops to half the level you would have if you continued to smoke.

Weight loss

High blood pressure is more common in obese and overweight people.

Hypertension is a condition where the heart pumps harder to circulate blood throughout your body.

Obese individuals are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. This condition increases blood pressure and increases the chance of heart attack or abnormal heartbeat.

Patients who are overweight or obese can lose 10 pounds and reduce their blood pressure. This can significantly improve their quality of life and overall health.

Exercise

Regular exercise can improve heart health and lower blood pressure.

Cardiovascular exercise, such as running, biking or swimming, has many benefits. Strength training can also benefit weights, resistance bands or body weight.

Exercise only works if you do it consistently. So find activities that you enjoy and stick with them.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you’ve never exercised before. They can help you start slowly so you don’t hurt yourself or do it too often.

You should see the positive effects of your active daily routine in months if you continue to move.

There are many options

Your doctor may recommend prescription medication to lower or manage blood pressure if your lifestyle has not changed enough.

Your doctor may recommend these things depending on your medical history, sensitivities and other factors.

  • ACE inhibitors are medications that inhibit the production of an enzyme which constricts the blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and helping to relax the arteries.
  • Alpha-2 receptor antagonists: These medications depress the adrenaline-producing portion of the nervous system. They slow down heart rate and allow the veins to relax.
  • Alpha-blockers Medications that stop a hormone constricting veins and helping to lower blood pressure.
  • Angiotensin I receptor blockers: These medications block the action an enzyme that constricts veins. They reduce blood pressure and help the arteries relax.
  • Beta-blockers Medications that block adrenaline can cause the heartbeat to slow down and blood pressure to drop.
  • Calcium channel blocking: These medications block calcium from reaching the heart, relax the arteries, and decrease blood pressure.
  • Central Anagonists: These medications disallow blood vessel constrictions, lowering blood pressure.
  • Combination of alpha- and beta-blockers is a combination that’s most commonly administered intravenously to patients with severe high blood pressure.
  • Diuretics Medications help lower blood pressure by helping the body eliminate excess sodium and water through urine.
  • Peripheral Adrenergic Inhibitors: These medications block vein muscles from constricting and allow blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure.
  • Renin-inhibitors Medications that prevent the formation of an enzyme that causes high blood pressure.
  • Vasodilators Medications which dilate the blood vessels and increase blood pressure.

Some medications are not compatible with other medications.

Inform your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the counter treatments and homeopathic remedies you use so they can make informed decisions and prescribe the right medicine.

When should you see a doctor?

High blood pressure can occur without any symptoms.

Adults should monitor their blood pressure regularly to make sure nothing is wrong.

You should have your blood pressure checked by a doctor if you’re between 18 and 40.

High blood pressure is more common in those over 40. You should have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should talk to your doctor to discuss the steps you can take to lower it and decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

If you have high blood pressure, you may need medical attention and monitor it at home.

Hypertension is defined as a high systolic or diastolic blood pressure. This can cause damage to the heart and blood vessels.

Ensure your reading is accurate and call 911 immediately or go to an emergency room.