Aspirin for Heart Conditions

Aspirin for Heart Conditions- Should I take aspirin?

Aspirin is a medicine that affects the way blood clots. Aspirin can be used to help reduce the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and other heart-related problems.

Your health care provider will help you determine whether it is safe and beneficial for you to take aspirin daily. Taking aspirin daily may be beneficial if you:

  • Have had a heart attack or chest pain.
  • Have undergone open heart surgery such as coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
  • Have had coronary angioplasty.
  • Have experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
  • Have peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
  • Have chronic heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation.

Are there any risks of taking aspirin daily?

Daily use of aspirin can increase your risk of side effects. Some of these include:

  • Bleeding. Bleeding problems can be minor or serious. An example of a minor problem is a cut that does not stop bleeding. An example of a more serious problem is stomach bleeding or bleeding into the brain. Your risk of bleeding is increased if you are also taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs).
  • Increased bruising.
  • Upset stomach.
  • An allergic reaction. People who have nasal polyps have an increased risk of developing an aspirin allergy.

What are some guidelines I should follow when taking aspirin?

  • Take aspirin only as directed by your health care provider. Make sure you understand how much you should take and what form you should take. The two forms of aspirin are:
    • Non-enteric-coated. This type of aspirin does not have a coating and is absorbed quickly. Non-enteric-coated aspirin is usually recommended for people with chest pain. This type of aspirin also comes in a chewable form.
    • Enteric-coated. This type of aspirin has a special coating that releases the medicine very slowly. Enteric-coated aspirin causes less stomach upset than non-enteric-coated aspirin. This type of aspirin should not be chewed or crushed.
  • Drink alcohol in moderation. Drinking alcohol increases your risk of bleeding.

When should I seek medical care?

  • You have unusual bleeding or bruising.
  • You have stomach pain.
  • You have an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
    • Hives.
    • Itchy skin.
    • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
  • You have ringing in your ears.

When should I seek immediate medical care?

  • Your bowel movements are bloody, dark red, or black in color.
  • You vomit or cough up blood.
  • You have blood in your urine.
  • You cough, wheeze, or feel short of breath.

If you have any of the following symptoms, this is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the pain will go away. Get medical help at once. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

  • You have severe chest pain, especially if the pain is crushing or pressure-like and spreads to the arms, back, neck, or jaw.
  • You have stroke-like symptoms, such as:
    • Loss of vision.
    • Difficulty talking.
    • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body.
    • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg.
    • Not thinking clearly or feeling confused.
15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856