Aspirin: Harm or Help to Women’s Heart Health?

Aspirin Aids Women’s Heart Heart

But Take With Caution

This well-known “wonder drug” is an anti-platelet medicine that can help to lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke for those who have already had one. Aspirin also can help to keep arteries open in those who have had a heart bypass or other artery-opening procedure, such as angioplasty. In addition, aspirin is given to people who arrive at the hospital with a suspected heart attack or stroke.

It’s important to know that aspirin has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of heart attacks in those who have never had a heart attack or stroke.

However, a recent, large study has found that among healthy women, taking low-dose aspirin every other day may help to prevent a first stroke, and among women over the age of 65, may also help prevent a first heart attack. If you are considering taking aspirin for this purpose, keep in mind that it is a powerful drug with many side effects, and can mix dangerously with other drugs. Take daily aspirin to prevent heart attack only with your doctor’s specific advice and guidance. If aspirin is a good choice for you, be sure to take the dose recommended by your doctor.

If you’re thinking about using aspirin to either prevent or treat a heart problem, talk with your doctor first. Only a doctor who knows your medical history and current health condition can judge whether the benefits would outweigh the risks. If aspirin is a good choice for you, be sure to take the dose recommended by your doctor.

If your doctor does advise you to take aspirin, be sure to continue practicing the “Big Four” heart healthy habits-eating nutritiously, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking. While aspirin can be a useful treatment for some people, it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.