If you think taking an aspirin a day is a safe way to keep heart attacks and strokes away, you’re not alone.
Nearly half of U.S. adults believe that the benefits of taking a low-dose aspirin every day outweigh the risks.
It’s not all that surprising, considering that for years, doctors recommended daily low-dose aspirin for people with heart problems. Anyone could, and still can, just walk into the pharmacy and grab a bottle of those little white tablets.
However, in 2019, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology advised against using aspirin as a preventative. After all, there was a downside, but it turns out that an awful lot of us don’t realize the true scope of aspirin’s dangers or benefits and for whom which is which.
Here’s what you need to know about the potential risks of taking aspirin, when those dangers may outweigh the risks — and when they don’t — and safer options that support heart and blood vessel health without those gastrointestinal bleeding risks…
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Risky aspirin use is rampant
The Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania set out to discover how many people still use aspirin prophylactically even though it’s been years since the alarm bells sounded on that practice.
The results of their health survey determined that nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults who say they have no personal or family history of heart attack or stroke report routinely taking low-dose aspirin, yet:
- 10% reported they take it “basically every day.”
- 2% took aspirin “a few times a week.”
- 6% used low-dose aspirin “a few times a month.”
While the survey showed that 45% of respondents reported that they or someone in their family had suffered a heart attack or stroke, a whopping 49% had no family history of heart attack or stroke whatsoever, indicating a significant portion of the population may be using aspirin and putting themselves in unnecessary danger.
Unnecessary prevention for healthy adults
The reason doctors still utilize low-dose aspirin is thanks to its ability to act as a blood thinner to reduce clotting that can clog arteries and lead to heart attack or stroke. However, it’s now only considered to be appropriate to prevent heart attacks in people who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and who aren’t at risk of increased bleeding.
In other words, it’s no longer recommended for preventing heart disease, heart attack and stroke if you don’t already have a history of these events or signs of symptoms that would be considered worrisome.
That’s because the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can lead to serious health issues such as ulcers and anemia, outweighs the benefits in healthy adults.
If you’re trying to decide whether or not to take baby aspirin, you should start by talking to your doctor rather than taking aspirin without personal medical advice.
“Habits backed by conventional wisdom and the past advice of health care providers are hard to break,” noted Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the survey. “Knowing whether taking a low-dose aspirin daily is advisable or not for you is vital health information.”
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Natural support for healthy blood flow
It’s also important to note that some foods and supplements are natural blood thinners that can safely support heart and blood vessel health if your doctor doesn’t think aspirin is appropriate.
Six that have been highly researched include:
#1 – Turmeric
A 2019 review found that the Indian spice turmeric, which contains curcumin, may help reduce blood clotting. However, it is not recommended to use turmeric with blood-thinning medications.
#2 – Garlic
Already known as a powerful heart health supplement, a 2018 study demonstrated that it also possesses antithrombotic activity, meaning it could help prevent the development of blood clots.
#3 – Cinnamon
Cinnamon isn’t just great for maintaining healthy blood sugar. It also contains coumarin, a blood-thinning agent. Just be sure the cinnamon you choose is made in the U.S. High lead levels are found in some imported brands.
#4 – Grape seed extract
Grapes are known for their high levels of resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory powers. It’s no wonder, then, that grape seeds have health benefits as well.
Grape seed extract (GSE) supports the endothelial lining of arteries, where specialized cells help keep blood vessels strong for smooth circulation and influence the release of nitric oxide. This signaling molecule controls the dilation of blood vessels and blood pressure needed to keep blood flowing. One study also found that GSE helps keep platelets from sticking together and forming clots.
#5 – Ginger
An anti-inflammatory spice, ginger reduces thromboxane, a hormone that elevates platelet aggregation and clot formation.
Additionally, ginger is high in salicylates, the same substance that provides blood-thinning properties to aspirin.
#6 – Natto
Natto, made from fermented soybeans, is a traditional food that has been a staple of Japanese dining for over a thousand years. Thanks to an enzyme in it that dissolves clots, it has a reputation as the Japanese secret for healthy circulation.
Sources:
Nearly half of adults mistakenly think benefits of daily aspirin outweigh risks — EurekAlert!
Blood-thinning foods, drinks, and supplements — MedicalNewsToday