Is There More Harm Than Benefit
Previous guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force warned against taking aspirin for the primary prevention of heart disease unless youre at an elevated risk typically if youre 50 to 69 years old with a 10 percent or greater chance of having a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years.
There is good reason to be wary of aspirin, warns Michos, particularly for women. The Womens Health Study was a large trial that looked at whether women with no history of heart disease would benefit from taking a low dose of aspirin. Researchers found that in the overall group of women, aspirin didnt reduce the risk of heart attacks, but it did increase the risk of bleeding. Some benefit was seen for women over the age of 65.
So not only was there lack of benefit for the younger women taking aspirin, but there was also a question of harm, says Michos. Its important for people to realize that just because aspirin is over-the-counter does not mean it is necessarily safe. Many patients take aspirin because they think its good for their hearts, but it carries some serious risks.
The best way to assess your risk level is to talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits to determine if low dose aspirin therapy is right for you.
Doctors Advised Against Aspirin For Patients With Irregular Heart Rhythm
Aspirin should no longer be used to try to prevent strokes in people with a common heart rhythm disorder as it is ineffective and has acted as a “smokescreen”, preventing people from getting the right treatment, government experts say.
The advice, published on Wednesday, affects 100,000 people with atrial fibrillation, which causes the heart to beat irregularly and sometimes too fast, and who are taking aspirin. They have been advised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to see their GP to discuss alternative medication.
The experts say the majority of people with atrial fibrillation, which is believed to affect more than a million people in Britain about a quarter of them undiagnosed and is a condition that increases the risk of stroke fivefold, should be given anticoagulants. This overrides previous advice, issued in 2006, which approved antiplatelets such as aspirin.
Campbell Cowan, chair of the group that drew up the health guidance, said: “Aspirin has been a little bit of a smokescreen to anticoagulation. We now know that aspirin is not safer and it is questionable whether it has any effect at all, so aspirin is no longer recommended for stroke prevention.”
Nice said that strokes among people with atrial fibrillation were “highly preventable” and 7,000 a year could be averted if treated with anticoagulants, as well as 2,000 premature deaths.
What Are Reasons I Shouldnt Take Durlaza
You should avoid taking Durlaza if you have:
- An allergy to the medication or have ever had an asthma attack after taking an NSAID
Do not take Durlaza two hours before or one hour after drinking. Alcohol can affect the controlled release properties of Durlaza. If you drink three or more alcoholic drinks daily, you have a higher risk of bleeding with Durlaza.
Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors
You may take renin-angiotensin system inhibitors if you need help lowering your blood pressure. Using these types of medications with Durlaza raises the risk of kidney damage, low blood pressure, and high potassium levels.
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications are commonly known as blood thinners. They help keep blood clots from forming. You may bruise or bleed more easily when taking these with Durlaza. When you bleed, it may take longer to stop. Call your healthcare provider if you have bloody urine or if your stool is red or dark.
Anticonvulsants are medications used to treat seizure disorders. Some anticonvulsants are narrow therapeutic index drugs. This means small changes in dose or blood concentration may cause them not to work at all or have deadly side effects. Durlaza can interact with anticonvulsants to cause seizures or toxicity.
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Where Did The Story Come From
This was a conference abstract of a study carried out by researchers from Leiden University Medical Center and Nijmegen University Sanquin Research both in the Netherlands. It was funded by Leiden University Medical Center and the Netherlands Heart Foundation.
The summary was presented this week at a meeting of the American Heart Association. The research has, to the best of our knowledge, not yet been peer-reviewed.
The study was covered widely in the media. Many newspapers tended to overstate the findings and did not mention the study has not yet been published. Though the Daily Mail did include useful comments from independent experts in the UK, while the Daily Telegraph mentioned the risk of side effects from aspirin.
The medias leap that the observed reduction in platelet reactivity would result in reduced risk of heart attack is an assumption that should not be made at the current time.
For decades, millions of Americans have been advised to take low dose aspirin daily to prevent heart attacks and strokes. But new research is raising questions about this common practice.
Its not that aspirin doesnt work to keep the heart healthy. It does. Its just that the dose your doctor wants you to take may need to change in order to be right for you. Doctors recommend aspirin because it helps to prevent clots from forming that can block blood flow to the heart or brain, causing heart attacks and strokes.
Try These Tips To Stop Heart Palpitations:
- Splash cold water on your face, which stimulates a nerve that manages your heart rate.
- Breathe deeply to help your body relax.
- Vigorously move to stop palpitations through exercise.
- Reduce anxiety in whatever way works best for your unique needs.
- Close your eyes, then use your hands to gently press on your eyeballs.
- Try the Valsalva maneuver: pinch your nostrils closed, then try to blow air through the nose with the nostrils sealed.
- Drink water if the palpitations are associated with dehydration.
- Restore electrolyte balance by eating foods high in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium.
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Nsaid Pain Relievers Such As Naproxen And Ibuprofen
If you have atrial fibrillation and are on blood thinners to lower your risk of blood clots and stroke, beware of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . NSAIDs include common pain relievers naproxen and ibuprofen .
These drugs, which are available over the counter and are used commonly to relieve the aches and pains that all of us have, are also blood thinners, says Dr. Ellis. If you combine them with prescription blood thinners, you could have serious bleeding.
How Are Heart Palpitations Treated
If your heart palpitations arent related to a heart condition, its unlikely that your doctor will provide any specific treatment.
They may suggest that you make lifestyle changes and avoid triggers. Some of these lifestyle changes may also help GERD, such as reducing your caffeine intake.
Reducing the stress in your life may also help treat heart palpitations. To reduce stress, you may try any of the following:
- Add regular activity into your day, such as yoga, meditation, or mild to moderate exercise, to help increase endorphins and reduce stress.
- Practice deep breathing exercises.
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Heart Attack Survivor Stories
“I am thankful for each day and the opportunities it brings to share my experiences with others.”
“Ive changed my diet to minimize fat and salt. Im learning to read labels and make healthy choices.”
“It all comes down to listening the cardiologists listening to us, and not just with their stethoscopes and us listening to the cardiologists. Without both of these, there are no winners!”
“I now take a low dose Bayer Aspirin regimen, and I was told that the aspirin I was given during my heart attack helped save my life! Thanks for being there for me Bayer!”
Waiting For An Ambulance
If you have had a heart attack, it’s important that you rest while you wait for an ambulance, to avoid unnecessary strain on your heart.
If aspirin is available and you are not allergic to it, slowly chew and then swallow an adult-size tablet while you wait for the ambulance.
Aspirin helps to thin your blood and improve blood flow to your heart.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Durlaza
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A medical professional can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a medical professional. You may report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
Like other medications, Durlaza can cause side effects. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects you have while taking this medication.
Potential side effects of Durlaza are:
- Abdominal pain
Durlaza can also cause clotting disorders or abnormal blood values, including conditions such as:
What Is Aspirin Pills Good For
In addition to reducing fever, aspirin is also used to relieve mild to moderate pain from conditions such as muscle aches, toothaches, common colds, and headaches. In addition to reducing pain and swelling, it may also be used to treat arthritis. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug , aspirin is also known as salicylate.
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Healthdaily Aspirin May Be Harmful For Healthy Older Adults Large Study Finds
The change comes after a large international study found that even at low doses, long-term use of aspirin may be harmful without providing any benefit for older people who have not already had a heart attack or stroke.
Clinicians should be very selective in prescribing aspirin for people without known cardiovascular disease, said Dr. Roger Blumenthal, co-chair of the 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, in a statement. Aspirin should be limited to people at the highest risk of cardiovascular disease and a very low risk of bleeding.
How Should I Take Aspirin
- Aspirin should not be taken on an empty stomach. Take aspirin with a full glass of water with meals or after meals to prevent stomach upset.
- Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets or capsules swallow them whole. Chewable aspirin tablets may be chewed, crushed, or dissolved in a liquid.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
- Aspirin should never be taken in place of other medications or treatments recommended by your doctor.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking aspirin. Taking aspirin with alcohol increases the chance of stomach bleeding.
- While taking aspirin, ask your doctor what other medicines you may take for pain relief or minor colds. Read the labels of all pain relievers and cold products to make sure they are aspirin-free. Other medicines containing aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause bleeding problems when taken in combination with your regular aspirin therapy.
- Before any surgical or dental procedure or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking aspirin. You might need to stop taking this medicine for five to seven days before dental work or surgery. However, do not stop taking this medicine without first consulting with your doctor.
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Your Heart Disease Risk And Aspirin Therapy
There’s little question aspirin has earned its reputation as a powerful drug. Studies comparing aspirin with placebo including almost 100,000 apparently healthy men and women showed:
- In men, daily aspirin therapy cut the risk of a first heart attack by a third.
- In women, daily aspirin therapy reduced the rate of strokes by 17%.
Certain conditions increase the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. If you fit in this category, there’s little argument: an aspirin a day helps keep trouble away.
High Risk Men and Women Who May Want Aspirin Therapy
You’re considered at high risk if you have:
- A prior heart attack or stroke caused by a blood clot
- Known blockages or narrowing of arteries in the heart, neck, or legs
- Multiple risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and elevated cholesterol levels and low “good” HDL cholesterol
“For people with known heart disease, it’s clear that they benefit from being on an aspirin,” says Jacobson, yet “people shouldn’t start taking it on their own.” Talking to a doctor first is essential to make sure you’re not at increased risk of bleeding.
Very Low-Risk Men and Women Who May Not Want Aspirin Therapy
- Daily aspirin would prevent three or four serious cardiovascular events .
- However, aspirin would cause about three life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeds.
Unless you have risk factors for heart disease, an aspirin won’t help, and may do harm. Talk to a doctor before taking daily aspirin — because you probably shouldn’t.
Aspirin Use Is Widespread And Risky
Seeing as so many people across the United States are taking aspirin without their doctors input, healthcare practitioners need to ask their patients if they use aspirin, the researchers suggest.
In addition, they should educate their patients about the benefits and risks of aspirin use, especially with older adults and those whove had peptic ulcer disease.
As simple and innocuous as an aspirin tablet seems, its actions in the human body are complex, and its effects can bring both significant benefit and harm, said Dr. David Cutler, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint Johns Health Center.
Although aspirin can prevent clotting and, therefore, prevent strokes and heart attacks, it can also result in dangerous bleeding and other side effects, Cutler adds.
In addition to bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, daily aspirin therapy can increase the risk of a bleeding stroke. It can also cause a severe allergic reaction in some people.
This is especially worrisome for people who are 70 and older, health experts say.
Elderly patients are at a higher risk of bleeding and peptic ulcers. The risk of these side effects increases significantly if patients are concomitantly taking other blood thinners , NSAID painkillers , or steroids, Bharadwaj said.
All that said, certain people can benefit from taking aspirin, according to health experts.
For example, if youve had a stroke or a heart attack, doctors still recommend taking aspirin.
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What Should You Do If You Have Heart Palpitations
If you begin to experience chest pains or tightness, you should seek medical attention. Heart palpitations could be a symptom of a serious heart-related condition. You shouldnt ignore them.
Learn about your family history. If you have a family member that has had any type of heart disease, this increases your risk of having a heart attack.
Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, call 911 or go to the emergency room if you feel sudden, intense heart palpitations. This is especially true if theyre accompanied by:
- shortness of breath
Cardiovascular Disease And Aspirin Therapy
Heart attacks and strokes cause almost a million deaths every year in the U.S. The culprits are blood clots, which choke off the blood supply to vital organs. Aspirin works on blood cells that cause clots , making blood less likely to clot.
So if clots cause cardiovascular disease, and aspirin helps prevents clots, taking aspirin should be a no-brainer, right?
Not so fast. Aspirin’s benefit comes at a cost — an increased risk of bleeding, which usually occurs in the stomach, intestine and other gastrointestinal areas. While most of this type of bleeding is minor and stops on its own, it can be life-threatening. And there’s no sure way to predict if or when it will happen.
“No medicine is innocuous,” says Terry Jacobson, MD, director of the Office of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at Emory University in Atlanta. “Anyone who’s not at a high risk of heart disease has to weigh the benefits against the risks.”
The right time to take aspirin is when the benefits — reducing risk from heart attacks and strokes — outweigh the risk of aspirin itself: dangerous stomach bleeding. This is a decision that can only be made between you and your doctor, but learning your own risk level can help you feel good about your choice.
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Fact: Daily Aspirin Can Be Safest When Prescribed By A Medical Health Professional
Before deciding if daily aspirin use is right for you, your health professional will need to consider:
- Your medical history and the history of your family members
- Your use of other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter
- Your use of other products, such as dietary supplements, including vitamins and herbals
- Your allergies or sensitivities, and anything that affects your ability to use the medicine
- What you have to gain, or the benefits, from the use of the medicine
- Other options and their risks and benefits
- What side effects you may experience
- What dose, and what directions for use are best for you
- How to know when the medicine is working or not working for this use
Make sure to tell your health professional all the medicines and dietary supplements, including vitamins and herbals, that you use even if only occasionally.
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If I Take Aspirin For Heart Disease Should I Stop
Not necessarily. Patients should check in with their doctors to see whether the risk of brain or gut bleeding during aspirin therapy outweighs their heart-health benefits. Long-term bleeding can cause complications such as anemia or even hemorrhagic stroke in certain patients. In patients with known cardiac and vascular disease, the benefits of aspirin exceed the bleeding risk.
We used to consider taking low-dose aspirin as a sort of healthy aging milestone. But the ASPREE and ASCEND data suggest that we should examine the benefits and risks of aspirin therapy for each patient rather than making broad generalizations. Whether you currently take aspirin every day or youre considering it, talk to your doctor about the implications of this study on your health and whether aspirin therapy is right for you.
To find out whether you or a loved one might benefit from an evaluation for heart disease risk, call or request an appointment online.
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