Aspirin & Heart Attack

In the 1970’s, a number of studies and trials, demonstrated that aspirin (ASA – acetylsalicylic acid) was beneficial for decreasing the risk of having a heart attack.  Further studies have demonstrated that taking aspirin also decreased the chances of having another heart attack or stroke related to clotting.  The reason for this is because aspirin acts as a blood thinner, thus decreasing clotting within your blood vessels and also decreasing the narrowing of your blood vessels due to atherosclerosis.

Aspirin therapy is now prescribed by physicians, when appropriate, for people who have had heart attacks, have angina, have had strokes caused by blood clots (not for hemorrhagic strokes), and people who have transient ischemic attacks (also known as T.I.A.’s or mini-strokes).  Do not start taking aspirin until you have consulted with your physician about whether it is appropriate for you based on your health and other diagnoses.  Your physician will also be able to provide you with the information on correct dosage.

Risks associated with using aspirin include increased bleeding, sore stomachs, maybe even ulcers.  Some people are also allergic to it.  Aspirin should not be taken with alcoholic beverages either. Also, if you are having surgery, always make sure to tell your doctor or surgeon so that he/she can advise you accordingly on whether you are to continue taking the aspirin or not during the time preceding and after the surgery.

So if you think you are having a heart attack, should you take an aspirin?  First, you should call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number in your area.  The person on the other line can direct you as to whether it is appropriate for you to take an aspirin.  This is something that you may even want to discuss with your doctor now before you find yourself in the situation, so that you would know what to do in this circumstance.  However, if you are having a stroke, you definitely should NOT take an aspirin.  This is because you do not know if you are having a stroke related to a burst blood vessel, and aspirin could make the bleeding in the brain worse.

Aspirin, which we use for everyday aches and ailments, has proven itself to be a beneficial therapy for people who have heart attack, angina, mini-strokes, and strokes caused by clots.