Aspirin--Pro or Con

Aspirin is one of the most studied and commonly used drugs. It has been long credited with reducing pain, fever, and inflammation (credited with causing both disease and premature aging) in the body. Now there is evidence that it lowers the rate of colon cancer and Alzheimers disease, and, because it is a blood thinner, also lowers the rate of stroke and heart attack. When taken immediately at the onset of heart attack or stroke, aspirin can also reduce their severity and save lives.

Tom Klamet in his piece entitled "Benefits of Aspirin" cites the following facts:

•Aspirin officially has a place in the Smithsonian Institute and is a mainstay in just about every family's medicine cabinet and first aid kit.

•A recent study suggests as many as one percent of air travelers suffer from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to prolonged sitting during long flights. It's been suggested that a low-dose aspirin taken before traveling any distance longer than four hours can reduce the potential for DVT.

•The National Heart Foundation reports that patients who took low-dose aspirin had a 26% reduction in the risk of a nonfatal heart attack, 25% reduction in the risk of stroke and 13% reduction in the risk of death compared to similar patients who didn't take aspirin.

•A daily low-dose aspirin therapy is commonly prescribed to adults to prevent heart attack and stroke and help improve blood flow to the heart.

•Small daily doses of aspirin have proven to be effective in reducing the chances of mini-strokes (in which clogged blood vessels prevent sufficient oxygen from reaching the brain).

•Aspirin is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack in people with clogged coronary arteries, and in those who've already had an attack.

•The latest advancement in aspirin involves a no-swallow tablet that dissolves through the mouth, thus reducing the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.

•Aspirin may reduce the risk of heart disease in individuals with diabetes.

•Approximately 36% of the adult US population more than 50 million people are estimated to take aspirin regularly for heart disease prevention.

•Aspirin prevents heart attacks and strokes by blocking platelets from forming blood clots. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also play a role in preventing cancer.

•Studies find that aspirin taken during a heart attack reduces the risk of death by 23%.

•Evidence is rapidly growing that shows aspirin can slow the progression of colon cancer, and preliminary data suggests that regular aspirin use may prevent certain cancers from occurring at all.

•Population-based studies report that an aspirin a day will either slow the progression or even prevent dementia, such as Alzheimers disease.

•There is some evidence that aspirin may increase gall bladder motility and thus be effective in treating gall bladder disease.

•An Australian study suggests that aspirin may guard against severe periodontal disease by protecting the fibers and ligaments around the teeth."


Because aspirin is a drug, there can be adverse side effects. When taking adult or high doses, the common ones include nausea, heartburn, upset stomach, decreased appetite, and excessive bleeding.

On a low-dose regimen, there are minimal side effects, and taking coated-aspirin (which shouldn’t be crushed or chewed) is gentler on the stomach. Be sure to take no more aspirin than prescribed and with a full glass of water for proper swallowing, and with milk, food or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.

Adverse reactions to aspirin include hives, swelling, rashes, mouth ulcers, congestion, sinusitis, polyps, itchy, watery or swollen eyes, breathing difficulties like wheezing and persistent coughing, and in extreme cases anaphylaxis.

Allergic reactions have been observed, but generally on rare occasions. Those who are allergic to inhalants and other drugs, and who suffer with asthma and chronic sinusitis are more susceptible.

It’s critical to discuss the following conditions with a physician before taking aspirin: liver, kidney or heart disease, ulcer, bleeding stomach or blood-clotting disorder, gout, fluid retention or high blood pressure, and asthma or nasal polyps. Discuss also any allergies to ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, nabumetone, oxaprozin and tartrazine.