Candis M. Morello, PharmD. &
Courtney Shakowski
TCOYD Newsletter, Vol. 24, 2008

The banker offers an aspirin a day to decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease (complications in the heart or blood vessels). Should you deal? Aspirin is a blood thinner and when taken at low doses has an anti-platelet effect. This means it will prevent blood particles from sticking together and slowing blood flow. Blood that flows more freely through the body decreases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Taking aspirin daily is recommended by both the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association.

Is Aspirin Right for Me?

People with diabetes are at two to four times higher risk for experiencing a heart attack and stroke than to those without diabetes. Taking aspirin daily can reduce this risk. Anyone with a history of a heart attack or stroke should take aspirin. People over 40-years-old with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who, therefore, are at high risk for cardiovascular disease should take aspirin as a preventative measure. A family history of heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking are all factors that put you at risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Who Should Avoid Aspirin?

While aspirin has proven to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, it is not for everyone. People with diabetes who are younger than 30 years old are not considered candidates for aspirin therapy. There is no evidence of aspirin’s benefit in this young population.

How Does Aspirin Affect My Body?

Like most medications, aspirin is absorbed in the stomach and upper intestine as aspirin tends to be a little acidic. Eating a light snack or taking aspirin at meal time can reduce stomach discomfort. Also, using the enteric coated aspirin formulation, discussed further below, should prevent upset stomach symptoms. Aspirin’s anti-platelet effect can also make people more prone to bruising or bleeding. If you experience a lot of bruising or bleeding, or even continuous upset stomach, you should notify your primary care provider.

Aspirin may also increase the blood thinning effects of other medications you may be taking. If you use any anticoagulation medications (blood thinners), such as warfarin, you should not take aspirin without consulting your primary care provider.

How Should Aspirin Be Taken?

The anti-platelet effect of aspirin is attained by taking 81 mg daily. This is often referred to as “low dose aspirin” and is proven to be just as effective as higher doses of either plain or enteric-coated aspirin. With the enteric coated formulation, the tablet is covered with a material that prevents the medication from being released in the stomach and it is instead released in the small intestine. This should reduce the chances of an upset stomach. Higher doses of aspirin are available and may be recommended for particular patients. Remember to consult your provider before starting any new medication so that a proper dose and schedule can be determined.

Could You Have an Aspirin Allergy?

Aspirin should not be taken by people who have an aspirin allergy. Occasionally people may develop an allergy while taking aspirin. Signs of an aspirin allergy range from mild to severe and may include: hives, itchy skin, watery eyes, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, and difficulty breathing. These signs usually occur within a few hours after taking aspirin. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms seek medical attention immediately. Furthermore, be sure to notify your primary care provider, your pharmacist, and other medical personnel of your newly identified allergy. This will help avoid future adverse reactions.

Bottom Line

DEAL! Don’t take any chances when it comes to the possibility of having a heart attack or stroke. Taking aspirin as a preventative therapy can only decrease your chances of experiencing one of these events. For heart health, it is vitally important that we keep an eye on blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These are modifiable risk factors that are relatively easy to control, so talk to your health care provider and make sure your blood pressure and cholesterol are at goal. (Visit www.tcoyd.org to see an informtionpacked TCOYD-TV episode on diabetes and heart disease). Other ways to decrease your risk are eating a healthy diet, staying active, and maintaining good glycemic control. So, get out there, get moving, and take control of your diabetes. Don’t let your diabetes control you!

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