How Aspirin and
High Blood Pressure
Can Go Hand-in-Hand

Aspirin and high blood pressure can go hand in hand. Those who have high blood pressure are often told by doctors to take aspirin. But this is usually related to some other condition they may have too.

For instance, aspirin is one of the best medications available to reduce the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. But, aspirin is not for everyone, and it needs to be used appropriately, according to doctor's directions only. Aspirin may be a pain killer and it may be a good anti-inflammatory, but it is also an excellent tool for reducing other health risks.

The American Heart Association now recommends that individuals who have high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular risks, take aspirin on a daily basis. However, you should take low dose aspirin, which is only 80 milligrams. One of the reasons for this is that aspirin thins the blood. It is known that many times, a heart attack or stroke is caused by a blood clot. Aspirin helps to reduce that risk.

How does aspirin help with high blood pressure? The actual effectiveness of it in terms of high blood pressure is not as well known. However, because it can reduce the thickness of blood, it can work well to relieve some of the pressure that builds up in the arteries. Reducing that pressure is often necessary to avoid complex problems.

How Much to Take

One of the first things people need to know is if they should take aspirin and if so, how much is recommended. Large doses used for pain relief or to control fever are not necessary. A smaller dose of 80 mg per day is usually enough for anyone who has pre-hypertension. Doctors often can raise this amount to 325 mg per day, as a maximum dose.

Side Effects of Aspirin

Although aspirin does have many benefits, there are also a few side effects that may occur. These include:

• Increased risk of bleeding since the blood is thinner
• Toxicity
• Stomach and intestinal irritation

Some people do have a bad reaction to aspirin, and if this is the case it should not be used as a treatment for high blood pressure. However, these reactions, which include vomiting and cramping, are rare.

Should You Take It?

When it comes to aspirin and high blood pressure, those who have had a history of heart attack, those over the age of 65, those who have had occlusive strokes and those who have a moderate to high risk of heart disease should take aspirin as a way of reducing their overall risks.

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