Aspirin a Day? Should I be taking them?
What are the Benefits v Risks
Should you, or should you not, take a daily aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke? It is a matter of weighing the benefits against the risks. You should discuss with your GP if it is a good idea for you to take a low daily dose of aspirin.
The evidence is clear that a daily dose of aspirin reduces risk for a second heart attack or clot-related stroke. But if you are known to have a healthy heart, the risks of daily aspirin — such as increased bleeding — may exceed the benefits.
If you have had a heart attack, a stroke or had heart surgery such as by pass surgery or stent, then aspirin will definitely decrease your risk of dying 20-30 % over a 10-year period.
Aspirin not for Everyone
Your doctor will advise you to take them if you are at a high risk of a first heart attack or stroke . Any medical condition that raises your risk factor to over 10% chance of having coronary artery disease or stroke, means you should be on aspirin.
How is my Risk Determined?
To determine risk, doctors use a variety of factors such as age, gender and assessments of cholesterol, blood pressure and other health indicators. These are called assessment algorithms.
What does Aspirin Do?
Aspirin thins blood, lowering the risk of clot formation that can trigger heart attack and stroke. For those with lower heart disease and stroke risk, this blood thinning quality raises the potential risks of aspirin above its benefits.
In this case, aspirin can bring on unwanted side effects, such as bleeding into the brain or gastrointestinal tract and bleeding from minor injuries that normally would only bruise.
You would also want to avoid taking it if you have any orthopaedic surgery planned.
Talk to your GP
To know whether regular aspirin use is appropriate for you — that the benefits outweigh the risks — It is VERY important to talk with your doctor.
Ask them:
- What are your chances of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years?
- Would aspirin benefit you?
- What side effects could you experience from taking aspirin?
- Will aspirin interfere with or negatively interact with other medications you take?
- Should you stop taking aspirin before surgery or dental work?
Make sure your doctor is fully aware of your medical history — in particular, ulcers or bleeding problems — and all medications and supplements you take. Your doctor can advise you of potentially harmful interactions of aspirin with blood thinners and other prescription medications, supplements and over-the-counter medications.