simple>
Warfarin (brand name: Coumadin)Dabigatran (brand name: Pradaxa)Apixaban (brand name: Eliquis)Rivaroxaban (brand name: Xarelto)
How does aspirin prevent health problems? " � When it comes to problems that affect the heart or blood vessels, aspirin can help because it helps prevent blood clots. Heart attacks and some strokes happen when blood clots form inside arteries. Aspirin helps keep that from happening (figure 1). When it comes to cancer, experts aren't sure why aspirin might help, but results of several studies suggest it does. � �
What dose of aspirin can protect me? " � Experts think the best dose to prevent health problems is 75, 80, or 100 milligrams a day. This is often called low-dose aspirin. It is much less than the 325 milligram dose in a single aspirin pill that is used to treat pain. � �
How long do I have to take aspirin? " � People who choose to take aspirin to prevent heart attacks or cancer will need to take it for many years. Aspirin starts preventing blood clots almost as soon as you take it. That means it can protect against heart attacks right away, but the protection wears off if you stop taking aspirin. It takes several years before aspirin protects against cancer. � �
Should I take aspirin to prevent health problems? " � That is a decision you will have to make with your doctor or nurse. First ask your doctor or nurse whether you are someone who might benefit from taking aspirin. Next ask if you would be at risk of bleeding if you took aspirin. Then work with your doctor or nurse to make a decision that is right for you. This graphic can help you understand the pros and cons of aspirin (figure 2). � �
Be aware, though, that experts do not think that healthy people younger than 50 should take aspirin to prevent heart disease or cancer. They do think it could help people who are 50 and older, but only if they are not at high risk of bleeding. � �
Also, if you have already had a heart attack or have a strong family history of cancer, the decision you make with your doctor or nurse will be very different. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 93138 Version 3.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
figure 1
Heart attack
Plaques inside the coronary arteries sometimes break open or "rupture. " � This is what causes most heart attacks. When a plaque breaks open, it causes a blood clot to form inside the artery. As the clot grows, it can completely block off the flow of blood through the artery. That means that the tissue on the other end of the clogged artery does not get the blood and oxygen it needs, so it gets damaged or dies.
Graphic 60394 Version 5.0
View Originalfigure 1
Heart attack
Plaques inside the coronary arteries sometimes break open or "rupture. " � This is what causes most heart attacks. When a plaque breaks open, it causes a blood clot to form inside the artery. As the clot grows, it can completely block off the flow of blood through the artery. That means that the tissue on the other end of the clogged artery does not get the blood and oxygen it needs, so it gets damaged or dies.
Graphic 60394 Version 5.0
View Original
figure 2
Risks and benefits of aspirin for primary prevention
In 1,000 people older than 60 who are at average risk for heart disease and cancer, daily aspirin use during a 10-year period would be expected to result in:
Graphic 91458 Version 1.0
View Originalfigure 2
Risks and benefits of aspirin for primary prevention
In 1,000 people older than 60 who are at average risk for heart disease and cancer, daily aspirin use during a 10-year period would be expected to result in:
Graphic 91458 Version 1.0
View Original
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Copyright
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �