ASA

Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as ASA, was originally used only for relieving pain and treating fever. Researchers later discovered that ASA can prevent heart attacks. Most people who have had a heart attack take ASA. People who are young, do not smoke, have normal blood cholesterol and blood pressure, do not have diabetes or a close relative with heart disease, have a low chance of having a heart attack. Your doctor can determine if you would benefit from ASA for cardioprotection.

Components in blood called platelets help the blood to clot. Rarely, platelets clump together inside blood vessels and prevent blood from flowing smoothly. If this happens in the vessels in the heart, it may result in a heart attack. ASA makes platelets less sticky and reduces the chance of the clot forming inside the blood vessels. This is how ASA prevents heart attacks. One aspirin tablet is usually enough to prevent heart attacks in most people. Your doctor will advice you how much to take.

Like all medications, ASA has the potential to cause side effects. The low dose used to prevent heart attacks is less likely to cause side effects than the high doses used to treat pain or inflammation. The most common side effect of ASA is an upset stomach. Taking the tablet with food should prevent or lessen stomach irritation.

The most serious side effect of ASA is bleeding. If you are taking ASA and notice abnormally black, tarry stools, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately as this may indicate bleeding in the stomach or gastrointestinal tract. People with uncontrolled high blood pressure may have an increased risk of a bleeding stroke when taking ASA. For the majority of people, the benefits provided by ASA far outweigh the risks.

ASA can interfere with some medications including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor about using other medications while taking ASA.