Daily Aspirin

Daily Aspirin Therapy: Is It For You?

Can Aspirin Prevent A First Heart Attack?

How Much Should You Take?

Be Aware Of Risks

A number of studies have found that people who have suffered a heart attack can reduce the chance of a second attack by taking aspirin regularly. Aspirin works by preventing platelets in the blood from clumping together. This reduces the chance that a blood clot will form in an artery that is already clogged by a plaque.

The American Heart Association recommends that people who have had a heart attack, unstable angina, ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attacks (known as TIAs or "little strokes") consider taking aspirin regularly after consultation with their doctor.

Can Aspirin Prevent A First Heart Attack?

In 2002, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) examined data on risks and benefits of aspirin use for prevention of heart attack. It concluded that people with a five year risk of three percent or more should strongly consider aspirin therapy. The task force said the use of aspirin in this population would prevent two cardiovascular events for every bleeding complication it caused.

How Much Should You Take?

There also is significant controversy over how much aspirin you should take to reduce the chance of a repeat heart attack or stroke. Most doctors in the United States prescribe 325 mg of aspirin a day, the amount in one adult aspirin pill. European physicians, however, tend to prescribe far less aspirin, typically about 75 mg a day, or the amount in one baby aspirin. The amount of aspirin you take to prevent a second attack will depend on how old you are, and whether you suffer any side effects from higher doses of the drug.

Be Aware Of Risks

While aspirin has been used for decades, a daily dose is not without risks. You should not start taking regular aspirin until you talk with your doctor. People with liver or kidney disease, stomach ulcers, other gastrointestinal diseases, bleeding problems or an allergy to aspirin are at greatest risk from regular aspirin use. But even if you don't have any of these conditions, regular aspirin use may cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

If you are taking regular aspirin to prevent a second heart attack or stroke, you should tell your doctor immediately if you have any side effects, most commonly, stomach pain. You also should tell your dentist or surgeon before undergoing minor surgery or dental work because aspirin may increase the likelihood of bleeding during the procedure. The tendency to bleed persists for up to 10 days after the drug is stopped.