117. Aspirin in Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention

AHA Recommendation
The American Heart Association recommends aspirin use for patients who've had a myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina, ischemic stroke (caused by blood clot) or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or "little strokes"), if not contraindicated. This recommendation is based on sound evidence from clinical trials showing that aspirin helps prevent the recurrence of such events as heart attack, hospitalization for recurrent angina, second strokes, etc. (secondary prevention).


Studies show aspirin also helps prevent these events from occurring in people at high risk (primary prevention). You should not start aspirin therapy without first consulting your physician. The risks and benefits of aspirin therapy vary for each person.
If you’re taking aspirin and you must undergo even a simple surgical procedure or dental extraction, you must tell the surgeon or dentist your aspirin dosage.


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that people who regularly take aspirin shouldn't drink alcohol. Patients who have heart disease should stop drinking alcohol and keep taking aspirin if their doctor prescribed aspirin as part of the treatment plan for their heart condition. Don't stop taking aspirin without talking to your doctor first.


The more important thing to do if any heart attack warning signs occur is to call 9-1-1 immediately. Don't do anything before calling 9-1-1. In particular, don't take an aspirin, then wait for it to relieve your pain. Don't postpone calling 9-1-1. Aspirin won't treat your heart attack by itself.