Can a daily aspirin protect me from coronary heart disease?
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Coronary heart disease is caused by the hardening of arteries, which constricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. If a blood clot forms in a constricted artery, the clot can cause a total blockage, resulting in a heart attack. Aspirin reduces your blood's ability to clot and cause a blockage in your arteries. While a daily aspirin may help lower your risk of heart attack and developing coronary heart disease, it is not right for everyone. Aspirin's effectiveness depends on age, sex, and your risk factors for heart disease. If you have had a heart attack or stroke, or have strong risk factors, you may benefit from a daily aspirin. Because a daily aspirin can increase your risk for bleeding and other conditions, you should not take aspirin if you have certain conditions, including heart failure. Talk to your doctor to determine if a daily aspirin is right for you.
Coronary heart disease is caused by the hardening of arteries, which constricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. If a blood clot forms in a constricted artery, the clot can cause a total blockage, resulting in a heart attack. Aspirin... More -
Dr. Kevin J. Walsh of Intermountain Healthcare answered:Aspirin will decrease the risk of first heart attack by around 23% in those indiviuals without known heart disease. In those with known heart disease it will prevent around 31% of future heart attacks. The dose of aspirin is between 81-325mg/d in the former group. These numbers are derived from more than 16 studies involving more than 95,000 patients.Aspirin will decrease the risk of first heart attack by around 23% in those indiviuals without known heart disease. In those with known heart disease it will prevent around 31% of future heart attacks. The dose of aspirin is between 81-325mg/d in... More
