The Reality of Aspirin

     Without question, it is well-known as a medicinal agent.  It has been a subject of clinical research trials, and there is much debate about them.  For example, researchers say there is not enough statistical power.  There is also discussion over the ASPREE trial.  It encompasses Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial.  Hispanic and African Americans are at times participants though there is controversy over whether this trial necessitates more data (1, 2, 3, 4).

     The literature addresses pathologic effects and the diseases which may be, along with other treatments, ways to diagnose and manage them.  For example, there is information about coronary calcium, and these may suffer from cardiovascular events.  It has to do with plaque burden, and there is much that doctors have written.  This observation has some advantages even though there are comorbitities and age consideration.  In general, healthy behaviors are still the best approaches.  According to some practitioners, the use of it may range from 75 to 100 milligrams daily, and ages for which the client is between 50 and 59.  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends daily intake (1, 2, 3, 4).

     Many procedures, therefore, remain as important in management of these individuals.  For example, primary care physicians still follow good histories and physicals as they assess the patient.  Those matters also include weight, blood sugar, hypertension, and lipid control.  These well-known parameters enable the medical team to observe the matter of primary care prevention (1, 2, 3, 4).

      The writers in some of these articles have long had to deal with bleeding.  The client may suffer from cancer, and prior occurrences of some of these variables.  One must also recall that aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are similar.  An item which some do not understand is that many physicians suggest that its daily use is risky.  Hence, some clients require regular supervision as this may better control them.  Dietary supplements are of concern, as they may lead to bleeding.  Examples include antidepressants, corticosteroids, and heparin.  It may lead to that, and others too because they may need dental cleaning or other medical procedures  (1, 2, 3, 4).

     There is much discussion about aspirin and other NSAIDs.  Primary care doctors have much experience with their management, and clinical trials are abundant today.  These new materials will provide readers with good information which will help patients as well as practitioners.

1. Mayo Clinic. (2021).  Daily aspirin therapy:  Understand the benefits and risks.
2. Michos, E.  (2021).  Is taking aspirin good for your heart?  Johns Hopkins Medicine.
3. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). (2015).  Use of aspirin for prevention of recurrent Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Among Adults—20 states and the District of Columbia, 2013.
4. Schenone, A. and Lincoff, A.  (2020). Aspirin for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events.  Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 87, 300-310.
5. Copyright 2021.  All rights reserved. Michael Koger, Sr., M.D.

     The information in this article is for educational purposes, and one should not use it for diagnosis or treatment without the opinion of a health professional.  Any reader who has concerns should contact his or her physician for advice.