Review of aspirin therapy

Aspirin, long known to relieve fevers, aches and pain, has served an increasingly bigger role in health care in recent years.

A daily aspirin may help lower the risk of heart attack and clot-related strokes.

The November issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource discusses why millions of Americans opt to take a daily low-dose aspirin and how this therapy seems to work a bit differently for women and men.

Aspirin reduces the clumping action of platelets, the blood's clotting cells. Clotting helps a cut or wound stop bleeding. But clots also form within blood vessels that supply the heart and brain. If the vessels are already narrowed from a buildup of fatty deposits, a blood clot can quickly block an artery, causing a heart attack or stroke.

Early studies on aspirin therapy only involved men. New studies confirm that women may benefit from aspirin therapy, too, but not exactly the way men benefit. Recent studies identified these differences and similarities between the sexes and showed that aspirin:

• Helps prevent a first stroke for women. There's no risk reduction for men.
• Helps prevent a first heart attack for women over age 65 and for all men.
• Helps prevent a second heart attack for men and women, regardless of age.

People should talk with their doctor before starting an aspirin a day. Regular aspirin use increases the risk of stomach ulcers or a bleeding (hemorrhagic) stroke. Current medical literature suggests that women who are at high risk of heart disease should be on daily aspirin therapy. However, people should weigh the benefits and risks with their doctor.

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1or visit www.bookstore.mayoclinic.com.