Transcript Aspirin Therapy - iHeartEatWellLiveWell

The A in the ABCS
Appropriate Use of Aspirin
Contents
What is aspirin
Who should take it
Side effects and risks
Who should NOT take it
How to talk to your doctor
What is aspirin?
Chemical name is acetylsalicylic acid (abbreviated
ASA)
First made from willow tree bark in the 1800s
Many effects including pain relief (analgesic), fever
reduction (antipyretic), blood thinning (antiplatelet),
and reduction of inflammation
 IN SOME PEOPLE, ASPIRIN IS PRESCRIBED BY
THEIR DOCTOR BECAUSE IT IS A TYPE OF BLOOD
THINNER THAT CAN PREVENT HEART ATTACKS AND
STROKES
WHO SHOULD TAKE LOW DOSE ASPIRIN?
♥Aspirin is usually prescribed for people who have
a past history of heart problems or stroke, including
a history of angina (chest pain), heart attack, stents
or heart surgery
♥Aspirin may help prevent heart attacks and
strokes in other people who have risk factors( like
high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes)
BUT your doctor needs to help you decide, since
aspirin can have serious side effects in some
people
Side effects and risks
The most serious risk is bleeding from the digestive
(gastrointestinal) tract, especially the stomach and
small intestine, which can be fatal
Aspirin can be very dangerous or potentially lethal
when taken in very large doses
Certain other drugs and supplements can interact with
aspirin and cause problems, so always tell your doctor
about everything you are taking including over-thecounter and herbal preparations.
Who might NOT want to take aspirin
You may not be a candidate for taking aspirin if you
have…
 Allergy to aspirin or allergy to ibuprofen (Motrin or
Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)
 Peptic ulcers or stomach problems, or bleeding from the
stomach or bowels
 Bleeding disorder such as hemophilia
 Gout
 Severe kidney disease
 Liver impairment
How to talk to your doctor
Do not be afraid of bringing up the topic of aspirin
use
Be familiar with your medical history or have
records sent to the doctor before you meet
Know your family medical history, especially with
regards to heart attacks and strokes
Make sure to have the doctor explain the possible
risks and benefits of aspirin to you so that you can
make a smart choice
Ask about how much you should be taking