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For years, people have taken aspirin to reduce fever, pain, and swelling. Low dose aspirin has become a favorite to help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke or heart attacks.
However, recent studies question whether daily aspirin should be prescribed as a preventive in people who do not have heart disease or a history of cardiovascular problems, but who may be at risk.
The studies show taking a daily aspirin increases the risk for internal bleeding. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking a daily aspirin can help prevent a clot-related stroke, but may increase the risk of a bleeding stroke. Taking a daily aspirin combined with other drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin) or other drugs may cause bleeding problems.
Other medications may be enough
Some say taking blood pressure medicine or statins for high cholesterol can also reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by half and they are safe. Adding daily aspirin may be unnecessary and may, in fact, increase risk of internal bleeding.
If you suddenly stop taking your daily aspirin, that decision may have a rebound effect causing further problems and risks. Therefore, it is important that you talk to your doctor about making any changes in your daily aspirin regimen.
Always discuss medication changes with your doctor
Most people don’t consider taking a daily aspirin to be of danger, but studies are showing otherwise. To be safe, always discuss any medications you are taking, or wanting to stop taking, with your doctor or pharmacist. They know best what effect the change will have on your body.
It is important to know the risks and benefits of any drug. Your doctor knows your health history and can best guide you on what medications you should take, including aspirin.
For further information on daily aspirin therapy, you can check out these links:
Daily aspirin therapy: Understand the benefits and risks. MayoClinic.com
The Lancet, May 30, 2009 issue
Debate Grows on Aspirin for Heart Risk. WebMed
