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It would be wonderful if aspirin really did prevent heart disease; but it doesn't. So, before you replace your apple-a-day with an aspirin-a-day, take a moment to learn about what aspirin can and can't do for your heart.
Heart Disease Prevention
Aspirin does not prevent heart disease. The factors that contribute to the development of heart disease; heredity, smoking, lack of exercise, overweight, and high fat, high cholesterol diets; cannot be controlled or reversed by taking aspirin. The only way to help prevent heart disease is to reduce your risk factors.
Heart Attack Prevention
A study at Harvard University found that for selected patients, one aspirin taken every other day reduced heart attack risk by 50%. And, when taken during, or immediately following a heart attack, aspirin appears to significantly reduce the risk of death during the first five weeks after the attack. Because of aspirin's side effects (stomach irritation, impairment of blood clotting) it should only be used as a preventive measure by high-risk patients on their doctor's advice.
After A Heart Attack
Aspirin has long been prescribed by doctors for post-heart attack therapy because of its "blood-thinning" properties. Because blood is less apt to clump and form clots, the risk of clots forming in and blocking the coronary arteries is reduced. After a heart attack, taking aspirin as prescribed by your doctor can reduce your risk of a subsequent heart attack.
Ask Your Doctor
Although aspirin can reduce heart attack risk for some people, it's always best to check with your doctor first before taking any medication. And, remember, no drug; not even aspirin; can prevent heart disease. Your personal commitment to healthy lifestyle choices is your best defense against heart disease.
©1989 PARLAY INTERNATIONAL
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