Aspirin has anticoagulant properties similar to those found in medications called anticoagulants, which slow down normal blood clotting. Beta-blockers are a class of medications commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Using aspirin or beta-blockers can harm your health if combined with fish oil. Using aspirin with beta-blockers can also cause problems. Seek the advice of your doctor before taking any of these medications.
Anticoagulants work by reducing the "stickiness" of components in your blood called platelets, which normally clump together and form beneficial clots that stop blood flow when you bleed. In people with heart disease, the formation of unwanted clots within the arteries can decrease normal blood flow and greatly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone adrenaline on receptors in your body called beta receptors; in turn, the decreased response in these receptors leads to less cardiac stress and, consequently, less pressure in the blood vessels.
Effects when mixed with fish oil
Fish oil contains active ingredients called Omega-3 fatty acids , which appear to moderately lower blood pressure by widening the inside of the blood vessels. Omega-3s also reduce the normal clotting tendency of the blood and, alone, daily doses of fish oil in excess of 3 grams can increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding .
In combination with aspirin or any blood thinner, using any amount of fish oil can increase your bleeding risks. In combination with beta blockers or any other high blood pressure medication, using fish oil can lower your blood pressure too much and endanger your health.
Aspirin with beta-blockers
Aspirin and beta-blockers are used to treat or prevent problems related to cardiovascular health. Before using these medications in combination, you should seek the advice and approval of your physician. In some cases, your beta-blocker levels may need to be adjusted or your doctor may need to monitor your reactions to medications more closely. Before using aspirin, you should also talk to your doctor if you use other medications that can affect your cardiovascular health, including blood thinners and ACE inhibitors.
Commonly used beta blockers include metoprolol, atenolol, nadolol, labetalol, and propranolol . Commonly used anticoagulants include heparin, clopidogrel, and warfarin . Commonly used ACE inhibitors include catopril, lisinopril, benazepril, and fosinopril .
Experts say that the risks of combining fish oil with medications for high blood pressure as moderate and the risks of combining fish oil with aspirin and / or blood thinners are lower . Other medications that can trigger unwanted effects in combination with fish oil include birth control pills and fat absorption blocker.
