1. An Aspirin Daily
Aspirin works by causing a decrease in certain substances in your body, called prostaglandins, that cause fever, pain and inflammation caused by colds, toothaches, muscle pain, headaches and arthritis. Doctors recommend aspirin to prevent heart attacks in people who have had a heart attack in the past and hospitals even use it to decrease the risk of death in people experiencing, or who recently experienced, a heart attack. It may also help prevent strokes caused when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain.
2. Not for Everyone
The same quality that gives aspirin its healthy benefit--the inhibition of blood clots--may increase the risk of bleeding excessively, especially in areas such as the brain, stomach and the gastrointestinal tract. Aspirin causes irritation of the lining of the stomach, heartburn, nausea, ulcers and internal bleeding with liver damage. Other things can increase a person's risk factor for complications such as smoking, high blood pressure, those who do not exercise and those with diabetes.
3. The Risks and Side Effects of Taking Aspirin
Even if you do have risk factors for heart attack or stroke, you should discuss possible side effects of taking aspirin with your doctor. If you are taking a blood thinner such as Warfarin (Coumadin), taking aspirin increases the risk of bleeding. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin due to the risk of developing Reyes syndrome, which is an abnormal accumulation of fat in body organs that leads to severe amounts of pressure on the brain. If not diagnosed early, death occurs within a few days.
4. Be Alert to Complications
Stop taking aspirin and call your physician immediately if you notice any bleeding or pain within your stomach or intestines. This can manifest as black colored or bloody stools and/or coughing up blood, which may look like coffee grounds. Additionally, if you drink alcohol, you should avoid drinking any when taking aspirin due to the risk of developing stomach bleeding.
5. Don't Mix Medications--Even Over-the-Counter Ones
If you are taking aspirin for the prevention of a stroke or heart attack, you must avoid taking Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) since it makes the aspirin less effective in cardiovascular health. If you must take both, take the ibuprofen 30 minutes after taking the aspirin or at least 8 hours prior to taking aspirin. It is important to follow your doctor's advice to make sure that you get optimal usage effects of aspirin.
