Can Aspirin Lower Your Blood Pressure?

Could popping a few aspirin really be a good way to lower your blood pressure (BP)? A lot of folks seem to think so.

We asked cardiologist Luke Laffin, MD, if the solution to high BP is really that simple.

Does aspirin lower blood pressure?

Let’s get right to it: Aspirin will not meaningfully lower blood pressure and should not be used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

“Research shows that aspirin does not lower blood pressure in a significant way,” states Dr. Laffin. “People certainly want it to, of course — but aspirin just doesn’t work that way as a medication. We don’t recommend it specifically for blood pressure lowering.”

Where did the myth start?

So, how did aspirin — a mild and common medication — gain a reputation as a hypertension solution? Chalk it up to an odd mix of scientific facts, broad generalizations and misunderstood research, says Dr. Laffin.

Let’s break down how the aspirin myth started.

• Aspirin affects blood vessels. Aspirin influences chemicals in your body that help regulate blood vessels. As blood vessel constriction and relaxation affect BP, it seems plausible that aspirin might have a helpful effect on hypertension. (Again, it does not.)
• Aspirin offers heart attack protection. Because aspirin acts as a blood thinner to reduce the risk of a heart attack, many assume it must also lower blood pressure. But protecting against clots is not the same as lowering BP.
• Aspirin reduces inflammation. Aspirin limits inflammation, which can play a role in BP. But it’s an oversimplification to link aspirin’s anti-inflammatory effect to blood pressure management.

In addition, limited studies involving low-dose aspirin taken at bedtime found modest reductions in blood pressure. But Dr. Laffin says that the drop in BP, which was not replicated in other studies, isn’t enough to make a significant difference.

So, while the research findings caught attention, they shouldn’t be viewed as a call to use low-dose aspirin as part of a hypertension management program.

Risks of taking aspirin regularly

For years, doctors recommended a daily dose of aspirin following a heart attack or stroke, given its ability to thin the blood and prevent clots. But that advice has changed, notes Dr. Laffin.

Newer research shows a mix of benefits and risks from taking a daily aspirin for heart disease. Guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association now advocate for infrequent aspirin use.

“From a primary prevention perspective, aspirin is not typically recommended anymore because of risks associated with bleeding in the GI [gastrointestinal] tract,” explains Dr. Laffin.

Other potential side effects from daily aspirin use include:

• Kidney injury
• Liver injury
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Upset stomach

Natural ways to lower blood pressure

So, if aspirin isn’t a solution for lowering blood pressure, what is? (Given that 1 out of 3 people worldwide are living with high blood pressure, it’s a question that many people want answered.)

Dr. Laffin offers these six lifestyle suggestions to help manage your BP.

1. Reduce sodium intake. A low-sodium diet (like the DASH diet) can bring an immediate and significant reduction in blood pressure. “It’s one of the biggest things you can do to drive that number down,” says Dr. Laffin.
2. Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight and obesity can damage blood vessels to drive up your blood pressure. Losing just a few pounds can have a big impact on BP and protect your heart.
3. Exercise. Physical activity strengthens your heart, allowing it to pump blood more efficiently and lower your blood pressure. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Talk to your doctor before beginning a workout program.
4. Eat wisely. What’s on your plate can make a difference in your blood pressure. Choose antioxidant-rich foods high in potassium, selenium, calcium, L-arginine, and vitamins C and E.
5. Get enough sleep. An erratic sleep schedule increases your odds of getting high blood pressure. Regularly getting at least six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep a night can help you manage your BP.
6. Limit stress. Chronic stress can keep your blood pressure elevated. It may also fuel lifestyle habits (like overeating and poor sleep) that raise your BP. Try some meditation to help keep your blood pressure better managed.

And while there are blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) to help lower blood pressure, making and sticking with healthy lifestyle choices offers you the best opportunity to keep your BP readings at ideal levels.

“If you take blood pressure medication but don’t make lifestyle changes, your medications likely won’t work as effectively,” emphasizes Dr. Laffin.

Final thoughts

Aspirin isn’t considered a treatment for hypertension — and daily use of aspirin, even at low doses, comes with some health risks. There are better and more effective ways to manage your blood pressure.

If you have hypertension, talk to your healthcare provider about the best approach to address the condition.