Stroke Prevention, Aspirin Therapy
Stroke Prevention, Aspirin Therapy
The Heart Association of America recommends using Aspirin for patients having suffered from myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, unstable angina as well as TIA’s.
Clinical trials have shown that aspirin can be helpful in preventing these events (heart attack, blood clots, second strokes, etc.) from recurring. This is called secondary prevention. Aspirin can also be helpful in primary prevention for preventing these events to take place in people belonging to the high-risk category.
You should always consult a physician before beginning with your aspirin therapy sessions. The benefits as well as risks of this therapy vary from one individual to another. If the people who are taking aspirin therapy are required to undergo a dental extraction or surgical procedure, they must remember to inform the dentist or surgeon about their aspirin dosage.
Alcohol and Aspirin:
The Drug and Food administration of the U.S. have clearly given a warning to all the aspirin consuming people that they should stay away from consuming alcohol. Patients suffering from heart diseases must completely discard the intake of alcohol and continue with their aspirin therapy as prescribed by the doctor’s treatment plan which is based on the condition of their heart.
Usage of aspirin should never be stopped without prior consulting with the doctor.
Aspirin Should Be Taken During A Heart Attack Or Stroke:
The most important thing that should be done if you see the warning signs associated with a heart attack is immediately calling on 9-1-1. Don’t take any action prior to making this call. Never resort to taking an aspirin and waiting for the pain to subside.
Calling on 9-1-1 must never be postponed as aspirin will not be treating the heart attack all by itself. Only if the operator attending the 9-1-1 call recommends an aspirin, you should take it.
The operator will ask questions for ensuring whether or not, you are allergic to aspirin. If you are, aspirin consumption can be extremely risky.
Research has shown that early intake of aspirin during heart attacks as well as other treatments provided by the physicians of Emergency Department and EMT’s plays a major role in improving your survival chances.
Aspirin may not always be advised during strokes as not all of them are caused due to blood clots. Rupturing of blood vessels may also cause strokes. If aspirin is taken during this case, the bleeding might infact become even more severe.
Hence, consider all these aspects before using an aspirin.