Welcome to another Article of Talking with Docs! I’m Dr. Brad Weening, alongside Dr. Paul Zow and our special guest, Dr. Mike Heon, a cardiologist. Today, we’re tackling a common question: Should you take a baby aspirin every day?
The Purpose of Aspirin
Aspirin has long been a staple in preventing heart-related issues. Traditionally, the advice was simple: “Take two and call me in the morning.” But is this still relevant?
Who Should Take Aspirin?
If you have a history of cardiac events—such as a heart attack, stroke, bypass surgery, or angioplasty—you are considered high risk. For these patients, daily aspirin is essential. In some cases, doctors may even prescribe medications stronger than aspirin.
What Does Aspirin Do?
Aspirin works by affecting your blood, not just your heart. In your blood, you have:
- Red blood cells
- White blood cells
- Platelets
Platelets help your blood clot when you get injured. Aspirin reduces the stickiness of platelets, making it less likely for them to form clots that could block blood vessels.
Understanding Baby Aspirin
When we mention “baby aspirin,” we refer to a lower dose of aspirin. Here are the typical dosages in various countries:
- USA: 81 mg
- Canada: 81 mg
- UK: 75 mg
- Germany: 80 mg
In the U.S., it is commonly called baby aspirin not because it’s meant for infants—definitely don’t give it to your baby—but because it comes in a smaller dose.
Should You Take Aspirin If You’re Healthy?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Many health-conscious individuals think, “I want to prevent a heart attack, so I’ll take baby aspirin.” But this may not be the right approach.
Years ago, researchers conducted a study comparing two groups: one group took low-dose aspirin, while the other did not. The results showed that while aspirin could reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, the benefits were minimal. The potential risks, particularly stomach bleeding, counterbalance the benefits.
Risk-Benefit Ratio
For most healthy adults without prior cardiac issues, the risk-benefit ratio does not support daily aspirin use. While aspirin can help some, it’s crucial to evaluate whether the risks outweigh the benefits.
Always Consult Your Doctor
If you have experienced any cardiac events, daily aspirin may be recommended. However, always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication. They can provide tailored advice based on your health history.
In Summary
So, do you take aspirin every day? The answer is sometimes, but not always. It depends on your health situation.
Thank you for joining us today! Remember, you are in charge of your own health!
For further reading on the use of aspirin in heart disease prevention, you may find the following articles helpful:
Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!