An aspirin a day must be done the right way. Find out how.

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Studies have shown aspirin to be beneficial in decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke or the reoccurrence of these conditions. (1) But how much is too much? The low-dose aspirin that is generally recommended is the 81 mg dose or baby aspirin. (2) This low dosage decreases the risk of side effects.

Aspirin should be taken in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle – exercise, a proper diet, no smoking, and blood pressure and blood sugar levels should be under control. Aspirin therapy, however, is not for everyone. You should not be on aspirin therapy if you:

• are allergic
• easily bleed
• take a blood thinner
• have recently had internal bleeding in the stomach or intestines
• have liver disease
• are under 21 due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome

Before starting any kind of home therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor first.

Sources:
1 - Am J Manag Care. 2002 Dec;8(22 Suppl):S691-700. Update on aspirin in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. (Accessed January 31, 2008).

2 – Aspirin Therapy in Diabetes. American Diabetes Association (PDF accessed January 31, 2008).

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