Daily Aspirin Isn’t For Everyone
You may have heard that a daily aspirin can decrease your risk for heart attack and stroke. But aspirin therapy may not be right for everyone.
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The Risks of Daily Aspirin
In fact, aspirin can increase your risk for other health problems, especially if you’re allergic or have a condition that puts you at higher risk for complications like gastrointestinal bleeding. In this video, cardiologist Brandy Patterson, MD, explains who should and who shouldn't make aspirin therapy part of their daily routine. Watch to learn more.
Should You Take Daily Aspirin Therapy?
SHARON GREGORY: Daily aspirin therapy can be a life saving option. But it's not for everyone.
MATT TALHELM: It's important to get the facts before considering that daily aspirin. UVA's Dr. Brandy Patterson explains in this week's Straight Talk M.D.
KASEY HOTT: Hi, and welcome to Straight Talk M.D. I'm here today with Dr. Brandy Patterson, a cardiologist at UVA Heart & Vascular Center. Now many older adults take an aspirin to decrease their risk for heart attack and stroke. But a recent study reveals that a daily aspirin therapy may not be recommended for everyone.
BRANDY PATTERSON: That's right, Casey. Just recently, the results of the ESPRIT trial were released and showed that daily aspirin therapy may actually be more detrimental than beneficial in some healthy people. So just because your spouse or your friends are taking an aspirin doesn't mean that you should start as well. It's very important you talk to your doctor first.
KASEY HOTT: Yeah. What are some of the current recommendations for daily aspirin therapy?
BRANDY PATTERSON: Well, daily aspirin therapy is really the most beneficial for those patients who have already had a cardiac event such as a heart attack or stroke. In these instances, aspirin therapy is known as secondary prevention and can help reduce your risk for second occurrence. But if you are a healthy adult who has never had a heart event, aspirin therapy may increase your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Weighing the benefits versus the risk here, aspirin therapy may not be the best option.
KASEY HOTT: Yeah. And I know a lot of us have heard if you think you might be having a heart attack, you should chew an aspirin immediately. Is that true?
BRANDY PATTERSON: Again, it depends on the person. So your first move should always be to call 9-1-1 if you think you're having a stroke or a heart attack. The EMS provider will then walk you through your next steps. If you have no allergies or no risk factors for complications of aspirin therapy, then chewing an aspirin can definitely help prevent the formation of blood clots and limit the size of a heart attack or stroke.
KASEY HOTT: OK. So it sounds like the main takeaway from this is really just talk to your doctor.
BRANDY PATTERSON: Yeah. That really is the main point.
KASEY HOTT: Yeah, see what's right for you and what's not.
BRANDY PATTERSON: Absolutely.
KASEY HOTT: All right. Well, thank you so much. Thank you for watching.
BRANDY PATTERSON: Thank you.
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