Aspirin is a medication that has been used for over one hundred years, as a pain reliever and fever reducer. Today, the name Aspirin is commonly used when referring to any pain reliever, but it is actually a specific product, not just a type of medicine.
Aspirin is said to help prevent heart attacks or stop one that is occurring, It should never be used by children under the age of 18, as it can cause a serious health condition called Reye’s Syndrome, which can cause death.
Aspirin stops your body’s blood platelets from sticking together, which can form blood clots. These blood clots are responsible for cutting blood flow off to your vital organs such as, your brain and heart. Blood clots in the brain arteries can cause strokes. It is also known to stop other diseases that occur with free radicals. Free radicals cause many diseases, aging, and tissue damage.
Researchers have found that taking aspirin as directed is safe to use. As with any medication, they can cause some side effects as well. These side effects generally include nausea, stomach upset, stomach bleeding, and stomach ulcers. Stomach bleeding can happen with little or no warning, and can cause death. People that are over the age of 60, have a higher chance of being sensitive to these side effects.
If you have a family history of or have been diagnosed with heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, you could be at risk for a stroke or a heart attack. Make sure you discuss taking aspirin with your physician to ensure it is safe for you to take. Your physician will weigh the side effects against your risk factors and make the appropriate decision
If you or someone you know is having a stroke or heart attack, call 911 immediately. Then take one aspirin that is 325 mg or two to four low dose aspirin, 81 mg. aspirin, and chew them up. Never take this medicine if you may be allergic to it. Taking aspirin as soon as you think you may be having a heart attack will decrease the chance of death.
Make sure to read the aspirin bottle, and take it only as directed, or take it as directed by your physician. This medication is the only pain reliever and fever reducer that has been shown to prevent and lessen heart attacks. Always keep a bottle of aspirin handy. Aspirin just may save your life, or the life of someone in your family that you love.
