Low Dose Aspirin
Aspirin has been around for a very long time and chances are you have used it more than a few times for a headache. In recent years aspirin has been proven to prevent a first heart attack or stroke as well as prevent a second. Many people still have questions about if they should be on a low does aspirin therapy program or not . Over the next 2 posts I’m going to do my best to answer all of the possible questions you might have so you can fully understand the benefits and risks.Who should be on a daily low dose aspirin?
Only people who have had a heart attack or stroke or are at risk for either should be on a low dose aspirin program. You should also clear this with your doctor and make sure this is right for your situation. While we all take aspirin from time to time it isn’t a good idea for someone who is healthy to take a daily aspirin because daily usage can have some very serious side effects.How does aspirin work to help prevent a heart attack or stroke?
Aspirin is a natural blood thinner that will reduce the blood clotting qualities of platelets. Platelets will clot the blood at the site of a wound to keep you from bleeding out. If your blood vessels and or arteries are narrowed by atherosclerosis, which is the build up of fatty deposits on the vein or artery walls, then a blood clot can very easily form and quickly block the artery. A blocked artery will prevent blood from getting to your heart or brain which will cause a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin will reduce the clotting power of the platelets and will let blood flow freely.Should I take a daily aspirin?
- This depends on your health, your doctors recommendation and the risk you are at for a heart attack or stroke. Risks can be:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholestoral
- Low exercise
- Diabeties
- Stress
- Alcoholism
- Family history of heart disease
If you haven’t had a heart attack or stroke but have several of the risk factors going for you then it might be a good idea to start a daily low dose aspirin therapy. You’ll want to make sure this is okay with your doctor first.
Either way your doctor will advise you as to what dosage is best for you. Most people take a low dose 81 milligram aspirin daily but your doctor could want you to be more aggressive and take up 1 regular aspirin a day which is 325 milligrams.
Can I stop the low dose daily therapy at any time?
This should absolutely be discussed with your doctor. As you already know a daily low dose aspirin can prevent a heart attack or stroke but what most people don’t know is there is a chance that stopping the daily aspirin therapy can actually increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke.Can I take aspirin if I regularly take ibuprofen for another condition?
Ibuprofen counteracts the benefit of daily aspirin therapy when taken together. Both aspirin and ibuprofen reduce the clotting action of blood platelets.If you need only a single dose of ibuprofen, take it eight hours before or 30 minutes after the aspirin. If you need to take ibuprofen more often, talk to your doctor about medication alternatives.
What side effects can occur when on a daily aspirin therapy?
One of the biggest factors is the other medications and dietary supplements you may already be taking. They could either interfere with the aspirin or work in conjunction with the aspirin to thin your blood even more. Your doctor will be able to tell you best about your specific medications. Some things that are also possible side effects are:- Hemorrhagic stroke
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Allergic reaction
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
You should also be aware of this when consuming alcohol as alcohol also thins the blood.
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