Aspirin is a common medication that many use to reduce fevers and minor aches and pains. In addition, it is utilized by some as an anti-inflammatory agent or a blood thinner.
This medicine is readily available to the general public without needing a physician’s prescription, commonly called over-the-counter.
Typical applications are to relieve headache pain, minimize swelling, and lower a high body temperature.
But some people also recommend aspirin for other uses, such as preventing cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
So, how about it, can aspirin prevent strokes? Let’s talk about it and more in this article.
Can Aspirin Prevent Strokes?
Yes, aspirin can be used to prevent stroke. But why is that so?
Aspirin reduces the risk of blood clots developing in the arteries. It can assist certain individuals in lowering the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
When a person takes aspirin, one of the things it can do is keep platelets from sticking together and forming clots. A combination of aspirin and another anti-clotting medication may be recommended to treat certain patients.
Daily Usage of Aspirin and its Benefits
People commonly turn to daily aspirin therapy for use in two different ways:
First, as a means of primary prevention.
This is for if you have not suffered from a heart attack or stroke in the past. You have never undergone coronary bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty with stent placement, or been diagnosed with blocked arteries in your neck, legs, or other body parts.
But, to avoid any or all of these things, you are looking to prevent them by taking an aspirin daily. The effectiveness of aspirin for this purpose has been the subject of much debate and discussion.
Second, as a means of secondary prevention. This is for when you previously suffered a heart attack or stroke. Or, it can be for when you are already aware that you have heart or blood vessel disease.
Because you want to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke, you take an aspirin daily. In this particular scenario, daily aspirin therapy has been shown time and again to be beneficial.
Should you use Aspirin?
Although research suggests that daily aspirin therapy can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, the treatment is not appropriate for everyone. Is it the way to go for you?
You should never take low-dose aspirin daily without first consulting your primary care physician.
In certain circumstances, the severe risks associated with taking aspirin far outweigh the potential health benefits of doing so. You shouldn’t begin taking aspirin on your own.
Precautions Against Using Aspirin
This is not a treatment recommended for people who have never experienced a heart attack or stroke due to the increased risk of bleeding. The only exceptions to this rule are certain patients who have been carefully selected.
According to new recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force, individuals who are 60 years of age or older should not begin taking daily aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke.
In addition, people aged 40 to 59 who take daily aspirin should only do so if they have a high risk of cardiovascular disease and have discussed the possibility of beginning aspirin treatment with their physician to reduce the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.
If you are over 70, taking aspirin to reduce the risk of having a first heart attack or stroke may end up being more harmful than beneficial.
According to Michael Barry, MD, the vice chair of the task force and director of the Informed Medical Decisions Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, “the potential harms of aspirin use cancel out the benefits.” This was said because the risk of experiencing internal bleeding increases with age.
Aspirin does indeed prevent stroke. However, it is first recommended to consult your doctor before taking aspirin.