High blood pressure is one of the most common health issues that Americans suffer from. One of the most common therapies that cardiologists offer is the use of aspirin therapy, but does it lower blood pressure?
Some people have this belief that low-dose aspirin can cause heart attack, while others think the right dose can help heart patients.
Does Aspirin Effectively Lower Blood Pressure?
Aspirin works for people who have already suffered from a heart attack or a stroke, but does it work to lower blood pressure in general? The answer is yes and no; confusing, right? Well, on the whole, aspirin does not decrease high BP consistently.
However, low-dose aspirin 81 mg each day at night does show a response. Still, cardio specialists do not recommend this drug for lowering high BP patients since it does more bad than good.
When Do Doctors Recommend Low-Dose Aspirin?
Aspirin works like a charm to reduce the clotting mechanism of blood platelets which minimizes the risk of a heart attack or stroke to a great extent. That is why cardio experts use this as an adjunct therapy for people who have already undergone this issue.
The following factors come into play:
- Past medical history
- Familial health
- Current prescription medications
- Co-morbidities if any
- Use of (OTC) drugs,
- Dietary supplement intake
- Allergies
If Not Aspirin, How Can We Lower Blood Pressure?
The route of action depends on the severity of the control needed. If minor changes are required, then modification of diet and overall lifestyle can have a great impact on lowering high blood pressure.
Dietary Modification
A well-balanced diet that has all the food groups, i.e., veggies, fruits, whole grains, and limited red meat and salt, can effectively help lower high blood pressure within a month.
This diet is known as the DASH diet, which works on patients that do not require a drastic change.
Smoking Cessation
Nicotine is the culprit in tobacco products. The narrowing of veins and an increase in heart rate are two things that raise blood pressure.
Moreover, a smoker’s arteries go hard, making blood increasingly susceptible to clot, thereby multiplying the chance of a stroke or heart attack.
You will see smoking cessation benefits on your health almost immediately.
It does not even need more than a day to show results. The risk of heart attack decreases and continues as soon as you stop inhaling it.
Regular Exercise
Physical activity every day works for the betterment of heart health and may lower blood pressure.
Training like walking, running, swimming, or even dancing along with weights and resistance show impressive results.
It is better to start off slow if you do not have the habit of exercising at all. Keep on moving to see positive results within a few months.
Alternative Treatment for Sever Conditions Include:
- Thiazide diuretics help flush out extra sodium and water via the urinary route. This category includes hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) block the effect of an enzyme that constricts blood vessels. Examples include losartan.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors block the production and release of that enzyme which constricts blood vessels. Example: lisinopril and enalapril
- Calcium channel blockers stop calcium entry, in turn relaxing the arteries. Examples include: amlodipine and verapamil
- Beta blockers work on adrenaline and make the heart relaxed and not rush in normal situations. Examples include atenolol and Carvedilol.
To Sum All Up
Your signs and symptoms decide what route of action will be selected. Have faith in your cardiologist; they are experts on the matter and will not make any rash decisions. If you reside in Willowbrook or Houston, a cardiologist from Epic Heart and Vascular Center can help with your high blood pressure. Call at (832) 952-1951 WILLOWBROOK (832) 432-1951 HOUSTON