Saturday, February 03, 2007
aspirin
For over 100 years, aspirin has been used as a pain reliever. Since the 1970s, aspirin has also been used to prevent and manage heart disease.
How does aspirin benefit the heart?
Aspirin benefits the heart in several ways:
Decreases pain. Aspirin fights pain and inflammation associated with heart disease by blocking the action of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. When this enzyme is blocked, the body is less able to produce a substance called prostaglandin, which is a chemical that signals an injury and triggers pain.
Inhibits blood clots. Some of the prostaglandins in the blood trigger a series of events that cause blood platelets to clump together and form blood clots. Thus, when aspirin inhibits prostaglandins, it inhibits the formation of blood clots as well. Blood clots are harmful because they can clog the arteries leading to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and reduce the short-term risk of death among people suffering from heart attacks.
Reduces the risk of polyp recurrence in people with a history of colon polyps.
Reduces the risk of death. Research has shown that regular aspirin use is associated with a marked reduction from death due to all causes, particularly among the elderly, people with heart disease and people who are physically unfit.
Who benefits from aspirin therapy?
People with coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis anywhere in the body (such as the brain or legs)
People who have had a heart attack*
People who have undergone bypass surgery to treat heart disease, or have angina (chest pain)
People with any risk factor for heart disease or a heart attack
Men over the age of 40 and women over the age of 50
Postmenopausal women
People who have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke
* If you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1. If you do not have a history of aspirin allergy, emergency personnel may advise that you chew one aspirin slowly. It's especially effective if taken within 30 minutes of the onset of symptoms.
What are the risks and benefits of aspirin therapy?
Benefits
Aspirin can significantly reduce heart damage during a heart attack and can prevent the occurrence of future heart problems.
Aspirin can reduce the risk of stroke.
Risks
Aspirin can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and abdominal bleeding.
During stroke, aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding into the brain.
How much aspirin should I take?
Always speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of aspirin therapy before beginning a regular regimen.Recent research indicates an appropriate dose of aspirin is between 80 and 160 mg per day. This is actually half of the standard 325-milligram aspirin commonly prescribed. Many studies show the lower dose works just as well as the higher dose, while reducing the risk of internal bleeding. A baby aspirin contains 81 mg. There are similarly lower-dose adult aspirin varieties available. But check with your doctor first to find out what dose is right for you.
How should I take aspirin?
It's helpful to follow these guidelines:
Aspirin should not be taken on an empty stomach. Take aspirin with a full glass of water with meals or after meals to prevent stomach upset.
Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets or capsules--swallow them whole. Chewable aspirin tablets may be chewed, crushed or dissolved in a liquid.
Before this medication is prescribed, tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. Taking aspirin with alcohol increases the chance of stomach bleeding.
While taking aspirin, ask your doctor what other medicines you may take for pain relief or minor colds. Read the labels of all pain relievers and cold products to make sure they are aspirin-free. Other medicines containing aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause bleeding problems when taken in combination with your regular aspirin therapy.Before any surgical or dental procedure or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking aspirin. You might need to stop taking this medicine for five to seven days before dental work or surgery. However, do not stop taking this medicine without first consulting with your doctor.
Are there any side effects?
Yes. Some common side effects include nausea, upset stomach, nervousness, and trouble sleeping. Call your doctor if any of these symptoms become severe or do not go away. If you have any of the following side effects, contact your doctor right away:
Severe stomach pain or heartburn.
Severe nausea or vomiting
Any signs of unusual bleeding, such as blood in the urine or stools, nosebleeds, any unusual bruising, heavy bleeding from cuts, black tarry stools, coughing up of blood, unusually heavy menstrual bleeding or unexpected vaginal bleeding, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Facial swelling (usually indicates an allergy).
Asthma attack (also indicates an allergy).
Ringing in the ears.
Severe headache pain
Confusion
Who should not take aspirin?
Children under the age of 18 who are recovering from a viral infection such as the flu or chicken pox.
Pregnant women (unless otherwise directed by your doctor).
People who are about to undergo surgery.
Heavy drinkers.
People with ulcers or any bleeding problem.
People taking regular doses of other pain medications such as Motrin.
People who are allergic to aspirin.
For a complete guide to heart disease for your patient visit WebMD Health
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center.
Edited by Cynthia Haines, MD, WebMD, October 2005
SOURCES: The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center. The American Heart Association. WebMD Medical News, "Baby Aspirin Safer for Preventing a Heart Attack." The Centers for Disease Control
Copyright © 2006, The Cleveland Clinic.
How does aspirin benefit the heart?
Aspirin benefits the heart in several ways:
Decreases pain. Aspirin fights pain and inflammation associated with heart disease by blocking the action of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. When this enzyme is blocked, the body is less able to produce a substance called prostaglandin, which is a chemical that signals an injury and triggers pain.
Inhibits blood clots. Some of the prostaglandins in the blood trigger a series of events that cause blood platelets to clump together and form blood clots. Thus, when aspirin inhibits prostaglandins, it inhibits the formation of blood clots as well. Blood clots are harmful because they can clog the arteries leading to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and reduce the short-term risk of death among people suffering from heart attacks.
Reduces the risk of polyp recurrence in people with a history of colon polyps.
Reduces the risk of death. Research has shown that regular aspirin use is associated with a marked reduction from death due to all causes, particularly among the elderly, people with heart disease and people who are physically unfit.
Who benefits from aspirin therapy?
People with coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis anywhere in the body (such as the brain or legs)
People who have had a heart attack*
People who have undergone bypass surgery to treat heart disease, or have angina (chest pain)
People with any risk factor for heart disease or a heart attack
Men over the age of 40 and women over the age of 50
Postmenopausal women
People who have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke
* If you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1. If you do not have a history of aspirin allergy, emergency personnel may advise that you chew one aspirin slowly. It's especially effective if taken within 30 minutes of the onset of symptoms.
What are the risks and benefits of aspirin therapy?
Benefits
Aspirin can significantly reduce heart damage during a heart attack and can prevent the occurrence of future heart problems.
Aspirin can reduce the risk of stroke.
Risks
Aspirin can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and abdominal bleeding.
During stroke, aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding into the brain.
How much aspirin should I take?
Always speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of aspirin therapy before beginning a regular regimen.Recent research indicates an appropriate dose of aspirin is between 80 and 160 mg per day. This is actually half of the standard 325-milligram aspirin commonly prescribed. Many studies show the lower dose works just as well as the higher dose, while reducing the risk of internal bleeding. A baby aspirin contains 81 mg. There are similarly lower-dose adult aspirin varieties available. But check with your doctor first to find out what dose is right for you.
How should I take aspirin?
It's helpful to follow these guidelines:
Aspirin should not be taken on an empty stomach. Take aspirin with a full glass of water with meals or after meals to prevent stomach upset.
Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets or capsules--swallow them whole. Chewable aspirin tablets may be chewed, crushed or dissolved in a liquid.
Before this medication is prescribed, tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. Taking aspirin with alcohol increases the chance of stomach bleeding.
While taking aspirin, ask your doctor what other medicines you may take for pain relief or minor colds. Read the labels of all pain relievers and cold products to make sure they are aspirin-free. Other medicines containing aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause bleeding problems when taken in combination with your regular aspirin therapy.Before any surgical or dental procedure or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking aspirin. You might need to stop taking this medicine for five to seven days before dental work or surgery. However, do not stop taking this medicine without first consulting with your doctor.
Are there any side effects?
Yes. Some common side effects include nausea, upset stomach, nervousness, and trouble sleeping. Call your doctor if any of these symptoms become severe or do not go away. If you have any of the following side effects, contact your doctor right away:
Severe stomach pain or heartburn.
Severe nausea or vomiting
Any signs of unusual bleeding, such as blood in the urine or stools, nosebleeds, any unusual bruising, heavy bleeding from cuts, black tarry stools, coughing up of blood, unusually heavy menstrual bleeding or unexpected vaginal bleeding, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Facial swelling (usually indicates an allergy).
Asthma attack (also indicates an allergy).
Ringing in the ears.
Severe headache pain
Confusion
Who should not take aspirin?
Children under the age of 18 who are recovering from a viral infection such as the flu or chicken pox.
Pregnant women (unless otherwise directed by your doctor).
People who are about to undergo surgery.
Heavy drinkers.
People with ulcers or any bleeding problem.
People taking regular doses of other pain medications such as Motrin.
People who are allergic to aspirin.
For a complete guide to heart disease for your patient visit WebMD Health
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center.
Edited by Cynthia Haines, MD, WebMD, October 2005
SOURCES: The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center. The American Heart Association. WebMD Medical News, "Baby Aspirin Safer for Preventing a Heart Attack." The Centers for Disease Control
Copyright © 2006, The Cleveland Clinic.
# posted by roodbont @ 2:06 PM 
