Aspirin is a widely used drug due to its beneficial effects or characteristics. It is analgesic, that is, it reduces pain, it is antipyretic, it can lower fever, and it is anti-inflammatory.
Acetylsalicylic acid is the active principle of this drug that also interferes in reducing the risk of myocardial infarctions and other diseases related to the cardiovascular system. In this FastlyHealarticle, we clarify all your doubts regarding aspirin and, in addition, we answer the question: can I take aspirin if I have high blood pressure?
Table of Contents
What is aspirin and what is it for?
Acetylsalicylic acid, commonly called aspirin, is a drug called salicylate that is explicitly used to reduce inflammatory processes, fever, and even pain.
It is also widely used by specialists in patients at risk of suffering from:
- Angina pectoris: chest pain due to insufficient blood supply.
- Heart attacks or acute myocardial infarction.
- Transient Ischemic Attacks – Commonly known as strokes.
In the same way, aspirin is used for the relief of mild or moderate pain, such as:
- Headache: headache.
- Menstrual cramps: pain in the lower belly.
- Muscle pains.
- Low back pain: pain in the lumbar region.
What is the mechanism of action of aspirin?
Acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin acts as an antiplatelet agent by preventing platelets (a type of blood cell) from clumping together and forming a so-called clot, thus preventing blood clotting.
It also works by reducing the production of substances responsible for producing inflammation and pain in the body (it inhibits the enzyme that makes prostaglandins, blocking their reaction).
Can I take aspirin if I have high blood pressure or hypertension?
The patients suffering from high pressure or hypertension have no contraindication of aspirin in low doses indicated by the specialist. A study carried out by researchers from the Vigo Bioengineering and Chronobiology Laboratory and the Hypertension Unit of the Hospital Clínico de Santiago de Compostela, presented at the Annual Congress of the European Society of Hypertension, has shown that aspirin administered in low doses significantly lowers blood pressure.
According to this study, this effect occurs specifically when aspirin is taken at night, that is, just before going to sleep, thus optimizing all the benefits of acetylsalicylic acid treatment.
Aspirin treatment in patients suffering from high blood pressure can reduce cardiovascular mortality and reduce the risk of suffering coronary accidents.
Recommended Aspirin Dosage
The dose of aspirin to take will be indicated by the doctor depending on the patient’s condition. However, the minimum dose of aspirin is commonly 81 mg, considering this dose sufficient to generate the benefits that the patient needs. Increasing the amount will be under strict medical supervision.
It is essential that if you are a person who has previously shown signs of having a heart attack or if you suffer from high blood pressure, you immediately consult your doctor so that they can tell you if the consumption of aspirin is beneficial or not in your case and in what dose is suitable for you.
Side effects and contraindications of aspirin
The adverse effects that may occur after administration of aspirin include:
- Abdominal pain.
- Sickness.
- Nosebleed.
- Skin itch.
- Prolonged bleeding time.
- Dizziness
- Poor digestion
- Drowsiness.
- Sweating
And within the few common ones are:
- Fever.
- Allergic reactions.
- Hallucinations
All these effects can occur after abuse of the drug, so it is essential to administer it under medical supervision.
The doctor will carry out a prior evaluation of the patient to determine whether or not the use of aspirin is contraindicated in their case. This drug should not be administered to patients suffering from:
- Hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid.
- Patients with long clotting times.
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers
- Severe kidney failure
- Severe liver failure
- History of intestinal bleeding if you take any other blood thinners.
- Patients who consume alcohol regularly.
How to lower blood pressure quickly
Some of the essential measures to take into account to lower blood pressure are:
- Take care of the daily diet, eliminating consuming products rich in fat or sugar and precooked.
- Reduce the amount of salt in your meals.
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Do the physical activity daily.
- Avoid being overweight.
The following article will inform you about the best diet for low blood pressure.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Can I take aspirin if I have high blood pressure? We recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.