Q: I am 58 years old and have been told taking baby aspirin daily or nightly is beneficial for me in preventing a heart attack. Is it truly safe to take long-term? I am concerned that if I stop taking it at some time in the future or forget to take it with me on vacation, there could be harmful side effects like with other medications such as blood thinners.
A: Most of us have been known to take an aspirin or two now and then; we twist an ankle, get a headache, or feel as if we might be catching a cold. We pop the aspirin and essentially, do not suffer any consequences. Why should we when we constantly read reports that indicate a daily aspirin can lower our risk for heart attack or stroke. How harmful can one little pill be, anyway? Interestingly, questions are now surfacing (because of continued research) as to whether an aspirin of any strength for those individuals without a history of heart attack or stroke is really in our best interests.
On the positive side, people with known risk factors for heart disease, those with coronary artery disease, stroke or a TIA, men over the age of 40, or a diagnosis of colo-rectal cancer are all believed to benefit from aspirin therapy.
On the downside, side effects from a daily regimen include an allergic reaction that can manifest in a number of different ways, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) from very high dosing that can lead to eventual hearing loss, gastrointestinal bleed because of the potential for developing a stomach ulcer, and stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel. Patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily should be counseled by their physician regarding potential bleeding risks while taking aspirin. Those individuals on an anti-coagulant and those with a known clotting disorder should not take aspirin without being under the guidance of a physician.
Specific medications including ibuprofen, corticosteroids and anti-depressants can interfere with aspirin therapy, as can the herbs and supplements ginkgo, willow bark, evening primrose oil, and others. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the clotting action of blood platelets. If an individual is facing dental cleaning or dental surgery, he or she should advise the health care professional they are taking aspirin. Again, the person should be guided by what his or her physician recommends. A person should not add aspirin therapy to anti-coagulant therapy because of the increased risk of bleeding complications, unless advised by a physician.
The standard of care for a person without risk factors who is having a heart attack is under review. If you have been advised by your physician what steps to take, follow the recommendations provided. Otherwise, call 911 and allow the qualified individual on the opposite end of the line to ask relevant questions so a correct response regarding aspirin usage can be made.
So what happens if a person quits the therapy? Surprisingly enough, the Mayo Clinic states that stopping a daily aspirin can have a rebound effect that may increase a person’s risk of heart attack IF that individual has a history of a coronary event, or stent insertion in one or more of the heart’s arteries. The discontinuation could trigger a blood clot.
I do not have access to your medical records and cannot give you a definitive answer. You should make an appointment with your primary care physician or cardiologist if you have one, for their guidance. Only then will you have the answers you are seeking. Good luck.
Other readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Coronary Artery Disease” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order payable to Dr. Gott’s Health Reports, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
