Aspirin for Heart Disease: Is it Safe for Everyone?

We've all heard that taking an aspirin daily may decrease the risk of a heart attack or stroke, but is it safe for everyone with heart disease to take aspirin? According to the article Aspirin and Heart Disease by the University of Minnesota Medical Center of Fairview, MN, the answer is no. Not everyone who is at risk of a heart attack or stoke should take aspirin.

How Aspirin Works

Aspirin helps prevent blood platelets from sticking together on artery walls and blocking the flow of blood. That is what makes it beneficial for preventing or slowing down a heart attack. However, these same platelets are responsible for stopping the flow of blood when a person is cut or hurt. Because aspirin prevents clotting of the blood, it also can cause a person to bleed longer than normal if cut or hurt internally.

Who Shouldn't Take Aspirin

Because of the danger of bleeding, people with certain medical conditions should not take aspirin. These conditions include:

• Asthma
• Liver or kidney conditions
• Stomach or intestinal ulcers
• Nasal polyps
• Bleeding disorder

Taking aspirin can also lead to stomach irritation and hearing loss. People who are allergic to aspirin should also avoid taking this drug.

Taking Aspirin during a Heart Attack or Stroke

If you believe you are having a heart attack or stoke, it is important to know if taking an aspirin will help or hurt your situation. If a doctor has already approved the use of aspirin as part of your health regime, than taking an aspirin should be safe. If you have one of the conditions listed above or are allergic to aspirin, it is advised not to take an aspirin during a heart attack.

According to the Mayo Clinic of Rochester, MN, taking an aspirin during a stroke may be more dangerous than not taking one. Not all strokes are the result of a blood clot, so taking an aspirin could cause more bleeding to occur and cause more damage to the body. Be aware of the difference between the signs of a heart attack and a stroke so you know when it is safe to take an aspirin.

Aspirin Side-Effects

Just because aspirin can be bought over-the-counter does not mean it is without side-effects. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects from taking aspirin:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breathing trouble
• Blood in the urine or stool
• Vision trouble
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Ringing in the ears

Aspirin should not be taken by anyone unless a doctor has recommended it. If you have heart disease, are at risk of developing heart disease or have had a heart attack or stroke in the past, talk to your doctor first to see if aspirin therapy is safe for you.