Aspirin isn't commonly known to affect blood pressure. But it does come with a higher risk of bleeding. There are a few groups of people who may benefit from taking low-dose aspirin (81 mg per day). This includes people who've previously had a heart attack or stroke.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are known to increase blood pressure and blunt the effect of antihypertensive drugs. Surprisingly, it has been suggested recently that aspirin lowers blood pressure and could be used for preventing hypertension.
“We have since learned that in an era where we control hypertension and high cholesterol better for primary prevention, aspirin may be only minimally beneficial with an increased bleeding risk, especially for older adults,” Dr. Ziaeian says.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often the pain reliever of choice for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) because most other options are types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), which can raise blood pressure.
Anti-inflammatory pain killers such as ibuprofen can increase blood pressure, thereby increasing the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. People with high blood pressure are advised not to take them. One alternative is paracetamol, but it's possible that paracetamol also increases blood pressure.
Those prescribed paracetamol saw a significant increase in their blood pressure, compared with those taking the placebo. This rise was similar to that seen with NSAIDs, and might be expected to increase the risk of heart disease or stroke by around 20 per cent.
Because of bleeding risks, some guidelines say that people age 60 and older without known heart or blood vessel disease should not start taking a daily aspirin to prevent a first-time heart attack or stroke.
"What we found is that compared to older studies, aspirin appears to have less benefit from cardiovascular disease," Dr. John Wong, a physician at Tufts Medical Center and a member of the task force, told NPR in November. "And there's an increasing risk of bleeding as people age," he says.
Daily aspirin is an option for some people at high risk of a heart attack or stroke to help lower their risk. But taking aspirin isn't right for most people because it can cause serious bleeding. You can work with your doctor to find out your risk of heart attack and stroke and your risk of bleeding.
Call 911 or emergency medical services if your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or greater and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of stroke. Stroke symptoms include numbness or tingling, trouble speaking, or changes in vision.
Still, you can make lifestyle changes to bring your blood pressure down. Something as simple as keeping yourself hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water every day improves blood pressure. Water makes up 73% of the human heart,¹ so no other liquid is better at controlling blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is very high—higher than 160/100, or when either number is higher—you don't have a decision to make. You definitely need medicine to lower your blood pressure.
Moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, palpitations, or feeling of pulsations in the neck are some signs of high blood pressure.
Side effects of aspirin
Like all medications, there's a risk of side effects from aspirin. The most common side effects are: indigestion and stomach aches – taking your medicine with food may help reduce this risk. bleeding or bruising more easily than normal.
If aspirin is part of your daily medication routine, taking it before bedtime might improve your blood pressure even as it does its main job — working against heart attack and stroke.
Healthcare providers do not recommend that most people take aspirin daily to control their blood pressure. However, there are cases in which your provider might recommend a daily low dose of aspirin. For example: You have had a heart attack or stroke in the past5.
Some medical conditions, such as pregnancy, uncontrolled high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, asthma, peptic (stomach) ulcers, liver and kidney disease, could make aspirin a bad choice for you.
Taking aspirin daily, known as an aspirin regimen, reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke. Aspirin thins your blood and helps prevent blood clots that can cause these conditions.
Like most medicines, aspirin has side effects. It irritates your stomach lining and can trigger gastrointestinal upset, ulcers and bleeding. And, because it thins your blood, it can be dangerous for people who are at higher risk of bleeding.
Bleeding — The main problem that aspirin can cause is internal bleeding. Most often, it causes bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract (primarily the stomach and small intestines) that is not usually fatal. But bleeding can also occur at other sites, with bleeding in the brain being the most serious.
You'll usually take a dose of 75mg once a day. Sometimes, doses are higher. It's best to take low-dose aspirin with food so it does not upset your stomach. Only take low-dose aspirin if your doctor or midwife recommends it, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
“Consuming diets with adequate magnesium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension).
Don't eat or drink anything 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure. Empty your bladder before your reading. Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading. Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed.
Some research suggests coffee can lower the risk for high blood pressure, also called hypertension, in people who don't already have it. But drinking too much coffee has been shown to raise blood pressure and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and trouble sleeping.