Aspirin is a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) commonly used to relieve pain, reduce aches, and lower fever. While it is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, its use is not always recommended for everyone due to adverse effects. For instance, aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, making it particularly dangerous for individuals with certain conditions, such as dengue fever, where the bleeding risk is already so high.

As far as benefits go, aspirin is also said to protect heart health and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, there are several do's and don'ts when it comes to its use. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Anoop Agarwal, Interventional Cardiologist, Clinical Director, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, shed light on the same.

Is Aspirin Safe To Take For Heart Health?

"Aspirin is famous for easing pain and inflammation, but it also helps protect heart health by preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes," said Dr Agarwal, adding that it is a key tool for those with a history of heart disease or high-risk factors.

However, warning against the long-term use of aspirin, the doctor highlights that it can also lead to serious side effects like bleeding.

Research around the safety of aspirin use for heart patients is mixed.

According to a study published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, aspirin could reduce the risk of heart attacks, but it didn't decrease the risk of death from any cause or from heart disease.

The study further noted that aspirin increased the risk of serious bleeding, especially in the stomach and intestines.

While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that the daily use of low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of heart attack, clot-related strokes, and other blood flow problems in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or those who have already had a heart attack or stroke, the healthy body states that it should not be taken without a prescription.

We asked Dr Agarwal how most cardiologists decide when to put their patients on aspirin. He responded. “Cardiologists evaluate cardiovascular risk using tools like risk calculators that consider factors such as age, gender, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes. They determine if aspirin is appropriate based on the patient's overall risk. For those with high risk of heart attack or stroke, low-dose aspirin may be recommended, while individuals at lower risk may benefit more from lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.”

As per the FDA guidelines, here are some of the things health professionals consider before prescribing aspirin for heart health:

• Medical history and the history of one's family members
• Use of other medicines, including prescription and OTC
• Use of other products, such as dietary supplements, including vitamins and herbals
• Allergies or sensitivities, and anything that affects one's ability to use the medicine
• Benefits from the use of the medicine
• Other options and their risks and benefits
• Side effects one may experience
• Dosage and directions for use that are best for the patient

Who Should Avoid Taking Aspirin?

Dr Agarwal said, “Aspirin is not suitable for everyone, especially those with low risk for heart events.”

He added, “Routine use is not recommended for adults aged 60 and older without a history of heart disease due to the high risk of bleeding. People with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or bleeding disorders should avoid aspirin unless directed by a healthcare provider.”

Additionally, those with allergies to NSAIDs, including aspirin, should not use it due to potential severe allergic reactions.

Conclusion

While aspirin is a common NSAID to fight inflammation, reduce pain, and support heart health, there are several things to consider before taking it. Firstly, one must not take it without a doctor's prescription. Secondly, long-term use of aspirin can lead to various side effects, like gastrointestinal issues like ulcers and bleeding due to irritation of the stomach lining. In people who can manage without aspirin use, Dr Agarwal recommends alternatives, which include statins, which lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation; anticoagulants like warfarin or rivaroxaban, which prevent blood clots; and lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and stress reduction. However, it is best to consult your doctor before considering these options.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/is-aspirin-safe-for-heart-health-or-not-1725361938