Studies have shown that taking a low-dose aspirin every day significantly lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. Aspirin can benefit people at high risk of heart attack, such as those with diabetes and other risk factors such as high blood pressure. It can also help people with diabetes who have had a heart attack or a stroke, or who have heart disease. However, aspirin’s effects have not been studied in people under age 30.
How does aspirin lower my risk for a heart attack?
Exactly why aspirin works is not completely understood, but it may be because it helps keep red blood cells from clumping together. These cells seem to clump together more readily in people with diabetes. When blood cells clump, a blood clot can form and narrow or block a blood vessel. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Is aspirin safe for everyone?
Taking a daily low-dose aspirin isn’t safe for everyone. It is best to ask your health care provider whether you should take aspirin. In some people, aspirin can irritate the lining of the stomach, resulting in pain, nausea, vomiting, or bleeding. Check with your health care provider to see whether aspirin therapy is right for you. You should avoid taking aspirin if:
How much aspirin should I take every day?
Your health care provider can suggest the lowest possible dose for you. Most people take a pill containing a dose between 81mg and 162milligrams every day. The low-dose version may be labeled “baby aspirin.”
What form of aspirin is recommended?
Some health care providers recommend the enteric-coated form of aspirin. This form of aspirin is coated with a substance that allows it to pass through the stomach without dissolving. Instead, the aspirin is absorbed in the intestine, decreasing the risk of side effects.
