It is no secret that heart diseases are on the rise across the world. While that is a fact, the conversation about the uses of Aspirin for heart attack is ever intriguing. Perhaps the reason why Aspirin is one of the most studied medicines in the management of cardiovascular diseases. But does Aspirin prevent heart attack? The answer to that is not that simple. Chemically known as Acetylsalicylic Acid, it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), that is commonly used to relieve headaches, fever & inflammation, and has also been touted as a lifesaving medicine that reduces the risk of heart attack and effectively minimises heart attack symptoms such as chest pain and tightness.
What Triggers Chest Pain:
There could be many reasons for chest pain, but even in its mild form chest pain is always a distress signal, a strong suspicion of a heart attack, and must be taken seriously to get immediate medical attention.
Common Causes Of Heart-related Chest Pain:
Angina: Caused when the heart muscle does not receive optimum blood supply, commonly seen in exertion and physical stress situations.
Heart Attack: A sharp, squelching chest pain caused by blood clots, or narrowing or blocking of one or more coronary arteries.
Common Causes That Are Not Related To Heart Conditions:
Acid Reflux (GERD): A mild chest discomfort caused by indigestion that sometimes might feel like a heart-attack symptom.
Musculoskeletal Pain: Commonly caused by an injury, muscle strain, or rib fracture.
Anxiety: Sometimes resulting in panic attacks, caused by emotional distress, resulting in chest discomfort and heart palpitations.
CAN EVERYONE TAKE ASPIRIN EVERY DAY?
With Aspirin, it is always advised to take it when prescribed, precisely as it is prescribed. Is it suitable for everyone depends entirely on various factors including age, underlying health conditions, comorbidities and heart health history, which must be discussed thoroughly with the patient’s cardiologist.
However, if a patient experiences chest pain, which is one of the first symptoms of a heart attack, it is considered safe to take an Aspirin before seeking immediate medical attention, provided they are not allergic to Aspirin. It helps with blood thinning, which in turn improves blood flow, and reduces the damage to the heart tissue.
BENEFITS OF ASPIRIN AFTER ANGIOPLASTY
Aspirin is part of the standard post-procedural medical regimen for patients who have has a heart attack and have been treated with an angioplasty procedure. Because of its blood-thinning properties, Aspirin effectively reduces the formation of blood clots and helps reduce the risk of recurrent heart attack and other heart complications including stroke.
RISKS OF ASPIRIN USE
While the use of Aspirin for heart attack is trusted across the world, it is crucial that we do understand its risks as well. One of the severe side-effects of Aspirin, seen in people who administer it for long-term in higher doses, is internal bleeding in the stomach and intestines.
Possible Aspirin side effects include:
Allergic reactions
Hypertensive patients are prone to developing allergic reactions from the consumption of Aspirin. These reactions can reflect in symptoms including rashes, nasal congestion, hives, or even in some cases Asthma attacks.
Tinnitus
Long-term consumption of Aspirin, sometimes triggers Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears). Usually, these symptoms fade as the Aspirin dose is reduced or when its consumption is stopped.
Increased risk of bleeding during surgeries
Aspirin is a blood thinner and is known to reduce clot formation in the blood. A phenomenon that may contribute to internal bleeding during or after their surgical procedures.
If you consider all pros and cons of Aspirin, it’s been proven time and again that its benefits exceed the risks that come with it. It is to note that the risks are associated with the long-term use of Aspirin and not the short-term use. Still, it is good to know all about the medicine that’s been called a lifesaver. However, the mistake of considering Aspirin as an alternative to a heart-healthy lifestyle should never be made. Heart care is a patient, long-term process that involves detailing, discipline, healthy diet, regular exercises, stress management, keeping bad cholesterol and BP in check, and getting your heart-health checked regularly.
Final Thoughts
Life after angioplasty scares more than it actually is. With precautions and prescriptions life can be normal. Understanding the risks & benefits of the uses of Aspirin, the symptoms of heart attack, and learning to differentiate between different kinds of chest pains, is the key to know if Aspirin is a good medicine for you. When in doubt, always seek proper medical diagnosis and consult your doctor.