Aspirin & Heart Disease

If you have suffered from any type of heart disease or are at risk of a heart attack you should be under the care of a physician. And while every individual is different, there is evidence that taking one aspirin per day may be beneficial to your cardiovascular health.

History

• Aspirin has been around since about 3,000 B.C., but it was not until 1915 that the drug became available as an over-the-counter medication. Further, it wasn't until 1948 that its ability to reduce the risk of heart attacks was determined by a physician in California. By 1988, a study by Dr. Charles Hennekens established that aspirin notably decreased the risk of a first myocardial infarction (heart attack) and developing cardiovascular disease. In 1998, the Hypertension Optimal Treatment study showed that low doses of aspirin combined with hypertension medication significantly reduced the risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular disease in patients with hypertension.

Significance

• Aspirin is used as part of a variety of therapeutic remedies, including relief for mild to moderate pain, fever and other inflammatory conditions. Cancer Research UK has determined that taking aspirin in your 40s can reduce the risk of developing cancer later in life. The American Heart Association also recommends the use of aspirin by patients who have experienced a heart attack or are at high risk for recurring attacks.

Function

• During a heart attack, the platelets in your blood clump together in your arteries, causing them to narrow and block blood flow to your heart. When the blood and oxygen supply to the heart is blocked for a long period of time it can result in a heart attack, and when they are blocked from the brain it can result in a stroke. Taking aspirin on a daily basis can thin out blood and inhibit platelets from clotting in arteries, thus allowing blood to flow more freely to the heart.

Benefits

• A 2005 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that aspirin can prevent a first heart attack in people, particularly men, who have never showed signs or symptoms of heart disease. In a trial among women, the results showed that aspirin decreased the risk of a first heart attack for those over the age of 65. Though there may be risks and side effects involved with taking aspirin, the benefits in preventing heart attacks may outweigh them. Every individual is different, so it's best to consult with your physician before undertaking a new approach to your health.

Side Effects

• Common side effects of aspirin include stomach irritation, indigestion and nausea. Side effects among asthmatics may be more extreme and could cause asthma symptoms to worsen. Consistent use of aspirin may result in bruising, excessive bleeding or vomiting. Always talk with your health care provider if you experience any adverse reactions while taking aspirin.