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Aspirin Treatment for Mini Strokes in Women

Aspirin is well-known for reducing the risk of death from a suspected heart attack, or myocardial infarction. It is given as soon as a heart attack is suspected. A low dose is also given on a daily basis to prevent recurrent heart attacks and reduce the risk of heart attacks if you have chronic heart conditions. Aspirin can also benefit women who have experienced a mini stroke.

  1. Mini Stroke

    • A mini stroke, also known as transient ischemic attack or TIA, is a stroke that lasts only a few minutes. It happens when the blood supply to your brain is briefly blocked or interrupted. Most symptoms of TIA are similar to a stroke, but disappear within an hour to 24 hours after the actual stroke. A TIA is often a sign you are in danger of having a bigger, more serious and more debilitating stroke. Prompt treatment is vital in preventing this.

    Aspirin Therapy

    • One method of treatment for mini stroke is a daily dose of aspirin. Aspirin works as an anti-platelet drug, thinning your blood and helping to reduce clumping in your blood platelets. This, in turn, helps to decrease any platelet blockage present in your blood vessels and keep a blockage from re-forming.

    Efficacy of Aspirin Therapy Following TIA

    • An Observational Study by the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) found aspirin reduces the risk of death from heart disease or stroke in post-menopausal women, particularly in women in their 70's. In the study, women who used aspirin regularly had a 25 percent lower risk of death from heart disease and a 14 percent lower risk from other causes, including stroke. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) funded this research.

      The study also found a lower dose of aspirin--80 milligrams--can be just as effective as the usual higher dose of 325 milligrams. Higher doses can contribute to internal bleeding and be contraindicated if you are on blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin (warfarin sodium).

    Aspirin Therapy for TIA

    • If you have had a suspected TIA, and have not been taking a daily aspirin for your cardio health, your doctor will want you to begin taking a daily dose of aspirin, but only if you are not on other blood-thinning medication.

      If you have been taking aspirin therapy for cardio another anti-platelet medication, dipyridemole, may be prescribed--Aggrenox is a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole. Clopidogrel, also known as Plavix, can be used if you are sensitive or cannot tolerate aspirin.

    Aspirin Therapy on a Daily Basis

    • Use of aspirin on a daily basis must be monitored by your doctor. You must never self-prescribe this therapy, as aspirin can interact with a number of medications and not everyone can tolerate a daily dose without developing internal bleeding. Aspirin and bleeding are also concerns if you are contemplating surgery.

      If you are a heavy drinker, you should not take aspirin. You should also not be on aspirin therapy if you are allergic to aspirin, have asthma, phlebitis, bleeding disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure and severe liver or kidney disease.

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