Aspirin regimens have been recommended for those who have had heart attacks in the past and those who are at risk of heart attacks as a prevention method, notes Medline Plus. Easy to obtain and quite affordable when compared to other heart medications, many individuals go on an aspirin regimen to be safe, even though MayoClinic.com states that a regimen should only be undertaken with the approval of a doctor due to aspirin's side effects.
Internal Bleeding
An aspirin regimen can lead to internal bleeding. The most common type of internal bleeding caused by aspirin is gastrointestinal bleeding, which Drugs.com notes can affect up to 3 percent of patients who are being treated with aspirin. Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding can include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting in less severe causes, with ulcerous bleeding and perforated bowels occurring in severe cases. MayoClinic.com notes that internal bleeding can be an escalating problem, since the aspirin thins the blood and prevents clotting, leading to more bleeding.
Hearing Damage
Medline Plus reports that hearing damage is one of the more serious side effects of an aspirin regimen. The less severe version of this side effect takes the form of tinnitus, better known as ringing in the ears. MayoClinic.com notes that overdosing on aspirin will trigger more hearing damage and that eventual hearing loss occurs for some people.
Allergic Reaction
MayoClinic.com notes that some individuals who go on an aspirin regimen may discover they are allergic. Sensitivity levels vary for those taking aspirins, as do the severity of the common signs of an allergic reaction to aspirin such as hives, rash, facial swelling and difficulty breathing according to Medline Plus. Drugs.com notes that patients who have asthma are 10 to 30 percent more likely to have sensitivity to aspirin regimens.
Increased Risk of Stroke
Though aspirin is credited with reducing the risk of heart attacks according to Medline Plus, it is also credited with increase the risk of stroke. MayoClinic.com notes that hemorrhagic strokes--also known as bleeding strokes--are more likely to occur in those on an aspirin regimen. Additionally, since hemorrhagic strokes are caused by ruptured blood vessels, the anti-clotting properties of the aspirin regimen can make the strokes more severe and life-threatening.
