An Aspirin a Day
Contributed by: Ryan Summers, Pharm.D. Candidate
                      UMKC School of Pharmacy

Volume 2, Issue 3

September 2003

Aspirin is one of the most readily available and widely used drugs in the world.  It is used for relief from pain and fever as well for its anti-inflammatory properties.  Although millions of Americans already take aspirin for these reasons, still many more should be taking an aspirin a day for heart attack and stroke prevention. 

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States.  Almost 62 million Americans have cardiovascular disease and over one million Americans will suffer a fatal cardiovascular event (heart attack or stroke) in the next year.  Among these, almost 300,000 patients without a previous history of heart attack will die.  Aspirin remains the primary therapy for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. 

How does it work?
Atherosclerosis, thinning of the heart arteries by plaque (cholesterol) formation, is the main cause of heart attacks and strokes.  When these plaques rupture, blood vessels in the brain and heart can be blocked leading to strokes and heart attacks.  Platelets play a major role in atherosclerosis formation and the subsequent ruptures that occur.  Aspirin works by irreversibly blocking platelet activity, not thinning the blood like some other medications. 

Who should take an aspirin a day?
Physicians recommend aspirin to various patients that may include:
· Males over 40 and females over 50
· Diabetic patients over 30
· Patients with previous history of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, or peripheral vascular disease.

Other reasons to consider aspirin therapy:
Aspirin may be appropriate to use for prevention of a cardiovascular event if you have any of the following risk factors:
· High Blood Pressure
· High Cholesterol
· Post-Menopausal
· Family History of Heart Disease
· Smoking
· Poor diet and exercise

Who should not take aspirin therapy?
As with all medications, ask your pharmacist or physician if you should be taking aspirin.  This is especially true if you have a history of the following:
· Allergy to Aspirin
· Uncontrolled Blood Pressure
· Any bleeding disorder
· History of gastrointestinal bleeding or Peptic Ulcer
· Liver or Kidney Disease
· Taking Blood Thinners

What dose of Aspirin should I take?
One 81mg baby aspirin a day has been shown to be as effective as one 325mg tablet a day in most patients.  However, dosages may vary between patients as directed by your doctor.   The enteric- coated tablets may also help reduce gastrointestinal side effects. 

It is important to understand the benefits and risks of aspirin therapy.  Contact your pharmacist or physician if you think you could benefit from taking an aspirin a day.  More information is also available on the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org

Co-edited by:
John Witt, Pharm.D.
Sarah Kerner, Pharm.D.

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