Aspirin is a widely available over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, increasing the risk for serious health problems. Many people wonder if taking aspirin can be a simple solution to help manage their blood pressure levels.
The Effect of Aspirin on Blood Pressure
Aspirin’s influence on blood pressure is linked to its effect on prostaglandins, hormone-like substances involved in regulating the widening and narrowing of blood vessels. By blocking the enzymes that produce prostaglandins, aspirin can theoretically contribute to vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, which could lead to a decrease in blood pressure.
Despite this potential mechanism, clinical studies have not found that aspirin consistently lowers blood pressure in a significant way. The effect appears to be modest at best and varies among individuals. Low-dose aspirin is not considered a primary treatment for high blood pressure, and more effective medications are available for that purpose.
Some research has suggested that the timing of the dose may play a role in its effectiveness. Studies have indicated that taking a low-dose aspirin of 81 mg at bedtime might have a more noticeable effect on lowering blood pressure compared to taking it in the morning. Researchers theorize this could be because certain hormones that raise blood pressure are more active overnight.
Aspirin for Cardiovascular Event Prevention
The primary use of daily low-dose aspirin in cardiovascular health is not for lowering blood pressure, but for preventing specific cardiovascular events. Aspirin inhibits the function of platelets, the small blood cells that clump together to form clots. By making platelets less sticky, aspirin reduces the likelihood of forming a dangerous clot that could block blood flow to the heart or brain.
This anti-platelet effect is the reason doctors may recommend daily low-dose aspirin for certain individuals. For patients who have already had a heart attack or an ischemic stroke (a stroke caused by a clot), aspirin can help prevent a second event. It is prescribed to reduce the risk of another stroke in these high-risk populations.
This preventative measure targets the formation of blood clots, not the underlying force of blood against the artery walls, which defines blood pressure. While both high blood pressure and blood clots are risk factors for heart attacks and strokes, aspirin’s established benefit is in addressing the clotting factor directly.
Medical Recommendations for Aspirin Use
Self-prescribing a daily aspirin regimen without medical consultation is not recommended due to significant health risks. A healthcare professional must weigh the potential benefits of preventing a heart attack or stroke against the serious risks associated with daily use.
The most prominent risks include gastrointestinal bleeding, as aspirin can irritate the stomach lining. There is also an increased risk of a hemorrhagic stroke, which is a type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain. For many people, particularly those without a history of heart disease, the potential harms of daily aspirin may outweigh the benefits.
Aspirin is not a replacement for prescribed medications specifically designed to treat hypertension or for recommended lifestyle adjustments. Managing high blood pressure effectively involves medications like ACE inhibitors or diuretics, alongside changes in diet and physical activity. Relying on aspirin for blood pressure control is not an effective or approved approach.