Will Aspirin Lower Blood Pressure?

We’ve all heard that a daily aspirin can be a heart-healthy practice. However, many patients are still unsure of aspirin therapy. For instance, will aspirin lower blood pressure, or does it simply mask symptoms? Are there risks to taking this pill daily? Read on to get the answers to your aspirin and blood pressure questions.

How Does Aspirin Work?

Aspirin is an NSAID, which is a common type of pain reliever. These medications are known for reducing pain and swelling. However, aspirin also has another key feature: it thins out the blood, making it less likely to clot. For some patients, this can improve their cardiac health.

Will Aspirin Lower Blood Pressure?

So aspirin can have benefits for some patients. But will aspirin lower blood pressure? This can be a confusing question. While aspirin will lower blood pressure in some patients, it will actually raise it in others. The thing to remember is that aspirin is not actually used as a blood pressure treatment. Rather, it is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks by making the blood clot less. Because many people with high blood pressure are also at risk for heart attacks, it can be hard to understand the true purpose of aspirin.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

While aspirin can reduce the risk of heart attacks, it can also increase your risk of a bleeding event. For this reason, doctors must decide which issue is a bigger risk for their patient. To do this, your doctor will evaluate your current health, your history, and any health risks you have.

Other Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, then there are plenty of other ways that you can get healthy. Your doctor might recommend other medications. They might also recommend lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or limiting alcohol.

Getting More Information

It’s important to talk to your doctor before you begin taking daily aspirin. A good cardiologist will evaluate your symptoms, check your overall heart health, and help you create a treatment plan that fits your needs. Northwest Cardiovascular provides this care to patients across Southeast Texas. Call us today to learn more.