Role of acetylsalicylic acid in patients with arterial hypertension

We summarize recent published literature regarding the significance of the role of aspirin in arterial hypertension. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin) has been commercially available as an analgesic and antiinflammatory agent for more then a century. In recent years, the demonstrated ability of aspirin to inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent thrombotic cardiovascular events has made it the most important cardiovascular medication from both risk-benefit and cost-benefit standpoints. Although aspirin is effective in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction and in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease among both men and women, its use in primary prevention remains controversial. Aspirin selectively reduces blood pressure as a function of the timing of its administration in relation to the rest of the activity cycle of each individual subject. Additionally, we discuss the resistance of aspirin, interaction between ASA and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and the role of aspirin in renography.