Health Benefits Of Low
- Post author Scientific review: Dr Heben’s Team
Aspirin is a medication for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. The use of aspirin may vary depend on its doses. Aspirin can treat the pain or fever in 500mg dose and treat rheumatoid arthritis in 1300mg dose. In addition, aspirin acts also as antiplatelet medicine which can reduce the risk of clots forming in the blood. When there is a cut in the blood vessel, platelet will detect the damaged area and form a blood clot to plug the damaged area until the blood vessels heal. If the clots plug into the small vessel, it will cause the surrounding area cant get the blood supply, oxygen, and nutrient so they will die. To prevent this condition, aspirin is usually prescribed as antiplatelet medicine in a low dose which means the dose of aspirin is 75mg. Here are 7 health benefits of low-dose aspirin as medicine:
1. Aspirin prevents the recurrent heart attack.
If you had a heart attack before, you should take low-dose aspirin regularly to prevent the recurrent heart attack. The blood clotting can happen in the vessels that supply your heart. If your heart vessels are already narrowed from atherosclerosis in the previous heart attack, the blood clot can quickly form and block the vessels. The health benefits of low-dose aspirin are needed here to reduce the clumping action of platelet so the recurrent heart attack can be prevented.
2. Aspirin prevents a recurrent stroke.
4. Aspirin for high cholesterol.
When Should I Stop Taking Low
It is very important that you ask your doctor when you should stop taking aspirin, as recommendations may be differ depending on your medical history.
There are opposing arguments regarding when to discontinue aspirin treatment. Some argue that aspirin should be discontinued at 36 weeks because of the possible bleeding risks associated with delivery.
Others argue, because most preeclampsia occurs after 36 weeks, that the aspirin may be beneficial to continue through delivery, into the postpartum period.
More research is needed, but again, it is imperative you discuss a stopping point with your healthcare professional if you are on a prenatal aspirin regimen.
Aspirin For Prevention: A Look At The Potential Benefits And Risks
Editor’s note: In March 2019, new guidelines were released that recommend more limited use of aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular disease. This is the first installment of a revised blog series.
When my doctor first asked me to take aspirin, I wasn’t so sure I needed it. Since the 1980s, aspirin has a proven record of preventing second heart attacks and strokes, but its use in people without these problems was and remains a source of confusion for both doctors and patients. Why take a medicine that can cause severe bleeding problems if it is not clear that you’ll personally benefit?
As I encountered more patients with questions about aspirin, it eventually dawned on me that the key was to look at the chances it would be beneficial and the chances it would cause harm. For any patient , aspirin for prevention should be taken only if its benefits outweigh its risks.
Let’s look at one patient who is similar to many I’ve seen in the clinic:
Fred is a 58-year-old sales manager with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. He has never had a prior heart attack or stroke, but he smokes a pack of cigarettes daily. While 15 pounds overweight, he eats a healthy, mostly plant-based diet and walks a half an hour during his lunch breaks at work. Fred takes atorvastatin for his cholesterol and lisinopril for hypertension. A friend tells him he should consider taking low-dose aspirin.
What should Fred do next?
Aspirin benefits
Aspirin harms
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Aspirin At Bedtime Lowers Blood Pressure
May 15 — WEDNESDAY, May 14 — A daily aspirin can control prehypertension, but only if it is taken at bedtime, a Spanish study shows.
An aspirin taken every morning didn’t lower the blood pressure of prehypertensive people, but the evening regimen did, Dr. Ramon C. Hermida reported Wednesday at the American Society of Hypertension annual meeting, in New Orleans.
A previous study by Hermida, who is director of bioengineering and chronobiology at the University of Vigo, showed the same beneficial effect of bedtime aspirin for people with moderately high blood pressure. The new report is the first study to show the drug’s benefit — although only when taken at night — with prehypertension, defined as blood pressure just below the 140/90 level. Prehypertension is a known warning sign of future risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems.
Why aspirin should do its good work for blood pressure at night but not in the daytime is not clear, Hermida said. Research indicates that it can slow the production of hormones and other substances in the body that cause clotting, many of which are produced while the body is at rest.
The three-month study included 244 adults diagnosed with prehypertension. A third of them were advised to follow general rules of hygiene and diet designed to reduce blood pressure, another third were told to take a 100-milligram aspirin tablet every night at bedtime, and the final third were told to take the same aspirin dose on awakening.
Who Should Take Aspirin
For people who have had a heart attack: Aspirin can help prevent a second heart attack. Your doctor has probably already prescribed aspirin for you.
For people who have had a stroke: Aspirin can help prevent a second stroke or a transient ischemic attack , which is often a warning sign of a stroke.
For people who have never had a heart attack or stroke: Talk to your doctor before you start taking aspirin every day. Aspirin lowers the risk of heart attack. But aspirin can also cause serious bleeding. And it is not clear that aspirin can help prevent a stroke if you have not already had a heart attack or stroke in the past. You and your doctor can decide if aspirin is a good choice for you based on your risk of a heart attack and your risk of serious bleeding. For help on this decision, see: Aspirin: Should I Take Daily Aspirin to Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke?.
Aspirin may also be used by people who:
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Whats The Link Between Aspirin And Heart Attack Prevention
Aspirin is a blood thinner. It may help prevent heart attacks by making it harder for platelets in the blood to clot.
Blood clots are part of a healthy circulatory system. When youre wounded, clotting prevents excess blood loss.
Clots become dangerous when they move around the body or stop the flow of blood to important organs. A heart attack occurs when platelets form a clot that blocks the flow of blood to the heart.
This is more likely to occur among people who have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. These conditions weaken and narrow the arteries, making it harder for blood to circulate freely.
If you have risk factors for blood clots, your doctor might prescribe a blood thinner to reduce your risk for a heart attack.
Does Aspirin Lower Blood Pressure
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About 50 percent of American adults struggle to manage their blood pressure, but many people want to avoid prescription drugs to treat their high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a serious health condition and thanks to the Coronavirus , it’s become even more serious and is often referred to as the silent killer because it contributes significantly to many of the leading causes of death, including heart disease, heart attack, and stroke caused by blood flow. In addition to genetics, high blood pressure is strongly influenced by a variety of lifestyle factors, which means it is possible for some people to manage their condition without prescription drugs. Aspirin, a common medication that is known to reduce the risk of heart attack, has been studied to see whether or not it might be able to help lower blood pressure. Does aspirin use lower high blood pressure, and what other steps can you take to control your blood pressure without prescription drugs?
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Your Prescription Medications May Not Be Enough
Its well documented that high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes raise the risk of heart attack as well as stroke. Your doctor may have already prescribed medications for these conditions, and if youve already had a heart or clot-related stroke, your risk of having another event increases, too.
Fortunately, there are several options you and your doctor can discuss. From lifestyle changes to medication and more, working with your doctor to help control hypertension , hyperlipidemia or dyslipidemia , and hyperglycemia is always a smart move.
Manage Your Blood Sugar
Remember that high blood sugar levels can cause damage to your blood vessels and raise your risk of a cardiovascular event. Because of this, always take your diabetes medications as directed by your doctor.
Additionally, be sure to check your blood sugar levels at least once a day. If you find that your readings are consistently outside your target range, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss this.
Its also important to have a doctor check your A1C levels every 3 to 6 months. This measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.
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When To Seek Care
If you have diabetes and are concerned about your cardiovascular risk, ask your doctor about daily aspirin. They can help you decide if it may be beneficial in your individual situation.
Dont take daily aspirin before talking with your doctor first. Its possible it may not be recommended for you, particularly if you dont have a previous history of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, or stroke.
You may also want to talk with your doctor before using daily aspirin if you:
- are over the age of 70
- have a risk of bleeding events like GI bleeding or hemorrhagic stroke
- are planning to have any medical or dental procedures
- have had a previous allergic reaction to aspirin
When to seek emergency care
Its important to be able to recognize the signs of a cardiovascular event like a heart attack or a stroke so you can seek medical attention.
Reasons For Taking A Daily Aspirin
All said, there are a few select scenarios in which a daily low dose of aspirin may be recommended by your doctor.
For example:
- You have stable coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease.
- You are pregnant and are at high risk for preeclampsia.
Otherwise, taking a daily aspirin primarily to lower your blood pressure or for other reasons is not generally advised.
Guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology suggest that daily aspirin use may actually be dangerous, doing more harm than good for a patient. The harm comes from the fact that aspirin thins your blood, making you more prone to internal bleeding.
Out of this concern, organizations like the AHA, ACC, and the Food and Drug Administration advise patients to not take aspirin without discussing it first with their doctors.
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How Does Aspirin Work To Prevent A Heart Attack Or Stroke
Aspirin slows the blood’s clotting action by reducing the clumping of platelets. Platelets are cells that clump together and help to form blood clots. Aspirin keeps platelets from clumping together, thus helping to prevent or reduce blood clots.
During a heart attack, blood clots form in an already-narrowed artery and block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle . When taken during a heart attack, aspirin slows clotting and decreases the size of the forming blood clot. Taken daily, aspirin’s anti-clotting action helps prevent a first or second heart attack.
S To Better Blood Pressure
The AHA offers these tips for better blood pressure:
- Get your blood pressure checked. Knowledge is a powerful first step. High blood pressure doesn’t make you feel ill it’s called the silent killer.
- Get medical advice. Your doctor can help determine what strategies will help most with any blood pressure issues.
- Quit smoking.Smoking raises your odds of heart problems, stroke, and other health problems. Quitting can take several tries, so hang in there and get support.
- Become more active. If you’ve been idle, check in with your doctor first.
- Eat healthfully. Cutting down on salt can help. Make fruits, vegetables, and low- or no-fat dairy products part of a healthy diet.
- Take medications, if needed. Work with your doctor to see if you need blood pressure drugs.
- Lose excess weight. Your blood pressure may improve as you shed extra pounds.
- Don’t drink too much alcohol. The AHA suggests limiting alcohol to no more than one or two drinks per day.
- Manage your stress. You’ll be helping your heart and blood vessels take it easy.
- Talk to your doctor about your medications. Some medications can affect blood pressure
SOURCES: Hermida, R. Journal of the American College ofCardiology, Sept. 20, 2005 vol 46: pp 975-983. Messerli, F. Journalof the American College of Cardiology, Sept. 20, 2005 vol 46: pp 984-985.American Heart Association: “High Blood Pressure.” American HeartAssociation: “High Blood Pressure: Control Your Risk Factors.” Newsrelease, American College of Cardiology.
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Take Aspirin At Night For Heart Benefits
May 15, 2002 — Taking aspirin at the right time may be the key to preventing heart attacks, stroke, and even high blood pressure. The common yet potent drug works best at bedtime, a Spanish study shows.
Ramon C. Hermida, PhD, of the University of Vigo, Spain, reported the findings at this week’s annual meeting of the American Society of Hypertension.
“Timed administration of low-dose aspirin could be a valuable approach not only for the prevention of major cardiovascular events, but also for the control of blood pressure in patients with mild-to-moderate ,” Hermida says in a press release.
Low-dose aspirin is known to reduce the risk of heart attack in high-risk patients. It also seems to help lower high blood pressure, but studies looking at this effect yield confusing results. Now there may be an explanation: aspirin only lowers blood pressure when taken at bedtime.
Hermida’s team studied 109 men and women with mild high blood pressure. All of them went on a diet-and-exercise regimen. They were randomly assigned to three groups. One group didn’t take any aspirin. A second group took a low-dose aspirin every morning when they got up. The third group took a low-dose aspirin every night when they went to bed.
Aspirin didn’t affect blood pressure if given in the morning. But when given at night, it had a significant effect: a 7.0 mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure and a 4.8 mmHg decrease in diastolic blood pressure .
Fruitflow Is An Effective Aspirin Alternative
Another option is to take Fruitflow, an extract from the clear jelly that surrounds tomato seeds. This unlikely source contains natural substances that reduce the spikiness of platelets cell fragments that contribute to unwanted blood clotting.
Researchers have found that taking a single dose of Fruitflow is as effective as 75mg mini-aspirin, but without the side effects. After seven days of regular use, Fruitflow suppressed platelet function by around one-third compared with those taking 75mg dose of aspirin daily, so it is less likely to interfere with normal blood clotting.
Tomato extracts also inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme to help lower a raised blood pressure, making it useful if you have hypertension, in which increased platelet activity plays a key role.
The evidence of effectiveness and safety for Fruitflow tomato extracts are so compelling that the European Food Safety Authority has authorised a claim that Fruitflow: Helps maintain normal platelet aggregation, which contributes to healthy blood flow.
Other research suggests that tomato extracts are particularly beneficial when combined with omega-3 fish oils.
Image credit: grycaj/shutterstock
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Balancing Benefits And Risks
Taking low-dose aspirin for “secondary prevention” is not controversial. Secondary prevention is for people who already have had a heart attack, certain kinds of strokes, or other diagnosed cardiovascular disease that puts them at high risk of additional problems.
“If somebody already has evidence of cardiovascular disease, there’s no question they should be on an aspirin unless they have some major bleeding issues or an allergy that prevents them from taking aspirin,” Dr. Bhatt says.
In a group of 10,000 such people, aspirin can prevent 250 cardiovascular events, like heart attacks, strokes, and sudden death. Meanwhile, 40 cases of serious bleeding will occur. The ratio of risk to benefit is roughly six people helped for every one harmed. That’s little consolation if you’re sent to the hospital with internal bleeding, but as a public health policy this risk equation is acceptable.
How Can Aspirin Reduce The Risk Of A Cardiovascular Event
Low-dose aspirin inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-1 . When COX-1 activity is reduced, it leads to lower levels of a molecule called thromboxane A2, which normally increases platelet aggregation and blood clotting.
Simply put, aspirin works to reduce the activity of platelets, the part of blood thats involved in clotting. Aspirin thins the blood and helps prevent blood clots from forming.
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Does Aspirin Lower High Blood Pressure
With all of the implications of a daily dose of aspirin for heart health, it makes sense that scientists and researchers from the American College of Cardiology would begin to wonder if aspirin might be helpful in lowering blood pressure. When it comes to using aspirin to lower blood pressure, there are two main things to know: