{"id":257,"date":"2020-04-17T04:59:22","date_gmt":"2020-04-17T08:59:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aedcpr.com\/articles\/?p=257"},"modified":"2020-04-17T23:37:27","modified_gmt":"2020-04-18T03:37:27","slug":"can-aspirin-save-you-from-a-heart-attack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aedcpr.com\/articles\/can-aspirin-save-you-from-a-heart-attack\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Aspirin Save You From a Heart Attack?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Aspirin<\/a>
Aspirin and Heart Attacks | What you need to know.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aspirin and Heart Attacks | What You Need to Know
With a history that stretches as far back as the late 1800s, aspirin is one of the most studied drugs in the world, being part of an estimated 700-1000 clinical trials per-year. Originally for pain relief, its effects on cardiovascular health have been observed since the 1970s. But can taking<\/g> aspirin at the first sign of a heart attack really save your life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer is yes, it absolutely can provide relief for a heart attack while you await proper treatment. Taking an over-the-counter painkiller during a life–<\/g>threatening event might sound strange, but the science behind aspirin is proven. It all starts with platelets; cell fragments without nuclei that flow through the bloodstream. When a blood vessel is damaged and bleeding occurs, platelets adhere to each other, forming a blood clot to stem the bleeding. Unfortunately, other things like plaque buildup or rupture may cause blood clots to form within the arteries, disrupting blood flow and ultimately causing a heart attack. This is where aspirin comes in. Aspirin reduces the activity of platelets, reducing the chance of them clotting in the bloodstream. This allows blood to flow more freely and helps prevent further damage to the heart. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I take aspirin or call 911 first?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you believe you\u2019re having a heart attack, the first thing you should do is call 911.<\/strong> It\u2019s important to remember that aspirin does not treat the cause of a heart attack by itself. Remember that there is no substitute for the help trained medical professionals can provide. The sooner you call 911, the sooner they can be there to help with live-saving equipment. After calling, then <\/em>take the aspirin. If possible, you can take the aspirin while on the phone with the dispatcher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How should I take the aspirin? And how much?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re suffering from a heart attack, time is of the essence. Chewing or crushing the aspirin before swallowing it allows it to be absorbed into your bloodstream more quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors recommend most people take a regular, adult strength (350mg) uncoated tablet. Enteric-coated aspirin, sometimes called \u201csafety-coated\u201d resists dissolving and being absorbed into the stomach. This helps prevent stomach ulcers and associated bleeding, but it also means the aspirin takes longer to get to work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preventing Heart Attacks with Aspirin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Taking a low-dose (81mg) aspirin daily can help lower your risk of a heart attack, but according to the American Heart Association, it\u2019s not for everyone. For many, the risks outweigh the benefits. Low-dose aspirin is not for those with no history of heart problems. Aspirin\u2019s anti-clotting effect increases your risk for<\/g> bleeding. It could do more harm than good in patients who are at a low<\/g> risk of suffering a heart attack. Older patients, especially those who have not had their first heart attack or stroke, may not benefit from taking it, according to a study from Monash University<\/a> in Australia .<\/g> Patients with stomach ulcers or asthma,<\/g> or patients who have suffered a stroke caused by bleeding should not take any aspirin. For many, treating the risk factors of a heart attack is more effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also some gray area when it comes to the topic of age and aspirin. According to the U.S Preventive Services Task Force, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether or not the potential benefits of aspirin outweigh the risks in adults younger than 50 or older than 70.
So who is it for? Doctors are more likely to recommend daily aspirin therapy to patients who are at high risk of heart attack. This includes patients who have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n