How does aspirin protect the heart?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Who would ever have thought that one little white pill could have such a powerful effect on the heart? But the evidence that aspirin helps prevent cardiovascular disease just keeps growing. One well-controlled study, for instance, showed that taking aspirin regularly reduced the incidence of heart attack by 44 percent. It is thought to achieve this in several ways, including making platelets less sticky and decreasing inflammation in the arteries.
One primary downside is aspirin's effect on the stomach lining-it is acidic, and because it inhibits clotting, it can cause more bleeding in those who have stomach ulcers. You can reduce those side effects by drinking half a glass of warm water before and after taking a pill.
However, it is so beneficial against heart disease that men over 35 and women age 40 and above should consider taking half a regular aspirin (162.5 mg) a day for life (it takes at least three years to establish the full benefit). An aspirin a day makes the average 55-year-old 2.3 years younger in RealAge.
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Who would ever have thought that one little white pill could have such a powerful effect on the heart? But the evidence that aspirin helps prevent cardiovascular disease just keeps growing. One well-controlled study, for instance, showed that taking... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Antiplatelet medications are a class of medications that help to prevent platelets (a type of blood cell) from forming a blood clot that could cause a heart attack. Aspirin is an inexpensive and effective type of antiplatelet agent that is frequently used to prevent coronary heart disease (CHD).
Aspirin is sometimes recommended for people who have no signs of CHD or other cardiovascular disease but have one or more risk factors for a heart attack.
Daily aspirin (75-162 mg daily) is routinely prescribed and highly recommended for men at “intermediate” risk (10 year risk of CHD > 10%). Daily aspirin (75-162 mg) is also often utilized for women with a 10 year risk of CHD > 10%. Aspirin is usually not used to prevent heart attack in a woman with less than a 10% 10 year risk of heart attack unless she has multiple cardiac risk factors and is postmenopausal. Aspirin is sometimes recommended in women < 65 years of age for ischemic stroke prevention.
However, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking aspirin for this reason.
Antiplatelet medications are a class of medications that help to prevent platelets (a type of blood cell) from forming a blood clot that could cause a heart attack. Aspirin is an inexpensive and effective type of antiplatelet agent that is... More -
Dr. Bijoy Khandheria of Aurora Health Care answered:Aspirin protects the heart by interfering with blood clotting. Aspirin causes clotting cell (platelet) function to be impaired and, hence, decreases the clumping of platelets.
When there is a heart attack, blood clot is formed at the site of the blockage, which then impedes blood supply to the part of the heart muscle beyond the blockage. This clot has platelets in them. So, decreasing platelet activity reduces or eliminates this “bad” blood clot and, thereby, prevents heart attacks or decreases the severity of heart muscle damage.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulAspirin protects the heart by interfering with blood clotting. Aspirin causes clotting cell (platelet) function to be impaired and, hence, decreases the clumping of platelets. When there is a heart attack, blood clot is formed at the site of the... More -
Dr. Imran Niazi of Aurora Health Care answered:The heart muscle receives its food and oxygen via three arteries that run on the outside of the heart. These are called coronary arteries. With age, these arteries can get partially obstructed by deposits of cholesterol. Blood can then form a clot in the narrowed artery, obstructing flow. This leads to a heart attack, or myocardial infarction. A portion of the heart muscle dies or is damaged permanently.
Aspirin is a mild blood thinner that can reduce the formation of clots in the coronary artery. The blood contains certain cells, called platelets. These cells stick to the walls of the narrow coronary artery, and clump together to form a clot. Aspirin prevents the platelets from sticking together.
Omega fatty acids (found in fish oil) also prevent clumping of platelets and can protect against heart attacks.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThe heart muscle receives its food and oxygen via three arteries that run on the outside of the heart. These are called coronary arteries. With age, these arteries can get partially obstructed by deposits of cholesterol. Blood can then form a clot... More -
American Heart Association answered:An aspirin a day could help keep the blood clots away, but you need to talk to your doctor first. Aspirin thins the blood and helps prevent blood clots from forming, potentially preventing a heart attack or stroke. In fact, people having a heart attack are often given an aspirin by emergency medical services. Taking an aspirin as soon as symptoms start can greatly improve the chance of survival. It can also help prevent a second heart attack by making it harder for blood clots to form.
People at a high risk of heart attack should take a daily low-dose of aspirin, but you shouldn’t start aspirin therapy without first talking to your doctor. The risks and benefits of aspirin therapy vary for each person. Your healthcare provider will decide the right dose for you.
Remember: The most important thing to do if you think you’re having a heart attack is to call 9-1-1 immediately. Don't do anything before calling 9-1-1. In particular, don't take an aspirin, then wait for it to relieve your pain. Don't postpone calling 9-1-1. Aspirin alone won't treat your heart attack.
An aspirin a day could help keep the blood clots away, but you need to talk to your doctor first. Aspirin thins the blood and helps prevent blood clots from forming, potentially preventing a heart attack or stroke. In fact, people having a heart... More
