Daily dose of aspirin can reduce risk of heart attack – Cardiologist

A cardiologist, Dr. Oluwole Aderibigbe, says a small dose of aspirin daily can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in hypertensive, diabetic and overweight people.
“Taking a small dose of aspirin is a highly effective medical treatment for lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes in hypertensive, overweight and diabetic people,” Aderibigbe told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
Aderibigbe said evidence had shown that people who have a high risk of developing heart attack or stroke had benefited from daily dose of aspirin as recommended by doctor.
He said: “There is increasing evidence of aspirin’s benefits in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke when taken appropriately.
“Some factors like family history of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, having high cholesterol and being overweight predispose people to heart attack and stroke.
“Research shows that people who previously had heart attack or stroke have been able to reduce the risk of another attack with daily dose of aspirin.”
Aderibigbe said aspirin helps to slow down the formation of blood clots that could block the artery and result in heart attack.
He added: “The reason aspirin can be prescribed in small daily dose is because it acts as a means of lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke.
“Aspirin helps to inhibit the effect of blood clotting action of platelets in the bloodstream.
“Blood platelets cause plaque buildup that block the artery and stop blood flow to the brain or heart, resulting in a stroke or heart attack.
“Aspirin helps to slow down the process of blood clots in the vessels that supply blood to the brain.”
He said aspirin could be recommended to men over 50 years and women over 60, if they have increased risk of heart attack.
Aderibigbe, however, advised people not to start a daily aspirin therapy unless it was recommended by a medical expert.
He said: “Although, aspirin is a highly effective medical treatment when used appropriately, it can’t be daily unless recommended by an expert, even at low doses.
“You should take a daily aspirin only if your doctor advises you to do so after proper examination.”