Aspirin and Heart Attacks

Research studies on aspirin and heart attacks have shown that the drug could help in preventing heart attacks. However, there are risks associated with taking aspirin regularly, such as an increased chance of internal bleeding. Recommendations from the American Heart Association indicate that people with a previous history of heart attack, unstable angina, ischemic stroke, or mini-strokes should take aspirin. Younger people or those with no heart disease risk factors should not take aspirin to prevent heart attacks.

 

An Overview of Aspirin and Heart Attacks

In the early 1990s, strong research showed that aspirin could help in treating
 heart attacks. In fact, this heart disease "wonder drug" is now given to all patients who arrive at the hospital emergency department with a suspected heart attack, because aspirin acts to thin the blood and reduce the size of a blood clot during a heart attack.
 
But what about taking aspirin to help prevent a heart attack? There are certain groups of people for whom taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks makes sense; however, it is not appropriate for everyone. For example, younger people or those with no heart disease risk factors should not take aspirin. This is because the risks associated with taking aspirin outweigh the benefits for people in these groups.
 
Talk with your doctor before taking aspirin for heart attack prevention. Your healthcare provider will weigh the possible benefits against the risks taking aspirin may create. Before your healthcare provider recommends aspirin for heart attack prevention, he or she will consider a number of factors, including your:
 
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Current heart disease risk factors
  • Personal history of heart disease
  • Other medications you are taking.
     
(Aspirin and Heart Attacks Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD