Aspirin More Beneficial if Taken at Night
Daily aspirin therapy decreases one's risk of heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and strokes, but experts do not recommend it for everyone. This has been an ongoing debate for years, with the US Preventive Service Task Force recently updating guidelines in March 2009.
In deciding whether it is right for you, take it with your doctor's approval. Aspirin used for occasionally for headaches or fever is okay, but chronic daily use can lead to serious side effects including internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Aspirin affects clotting. Quite simply, it delays the platelet deposition cascade and prevents the scab from forming in blood vessels to prevent further loss of blood.
- Risk factors that indicate benefits of aspirin therapy are:
- Smoking tobacco
- High blood pressure — a systolic pressure of 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher
- Total cholesterol level of 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) — 6.22 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) — or higher
- Low-density lipoprotein ("bad") cholesterol level of 130 mg/dL (3.37 mmol/L) or higher
- Lack of exercise, diabetes, stress, or a family history of a stroke or heart attack
- Having more than two alcoholic drinks a day for men, one drink a day for women
- If you've had a heart attack or stroke, your MD has definitely prescribed aspirin.
- Enteric coated aspirin is more expensive, but protects against gastrointestinal bleeding. It is about $15 for a year's supply. Probably one of the most health-conscious expenses for the year.
