THE HISTORY OF ASPIRIN THERAPY

Research on aspirin therapy began in the early 1970s. Over the years, researchers confirmed that daily low-dose aspirin could reduce the risk of first heart attacks and strokes, and even prevent certain types of cancer including colon, ovarian, and esophageal. Previous research focused on doses of 81 mg, the amount in one baby aspirin. While this dose may be enough for some people, more recent research has focused on the benefits of a half-dose aspirin, or 160mg. This dosage lowers your blood’s ability to form clots, which is precisely what may help you during a
heart attack.

Randomized clinical trials have compared aspirin with placebo or no therapy for the prevention of stroke and Myocardial Infarction (MI). These trials varied with regard to dose of aspirin, the duration of treatment, and most importantly, the populations selected for study varied in their baseline risk of stroke and MI. In men, 160 mg/day consistently lowered risk of MI. Aspirin therapy was found to reduce the risk of having a stroke in women by as much as 17%.

TAKE HALFPRIN® DURING A SUSPECTED HEART ATTACK TO SAVE YOUR LIFE!

Taking aspirin during a suspected heart attack may save your life! Don’t wait for confirmation from a doctor before you chew that pill. The American Heart Association estimates that nearly 10,000 more people would be alive if they had simply chewed an aspirin during the onset of cardiac symptoms. Chewing the pill helps the life-saving drug get into your blood stream 75% faster than swallowing it whole.

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE BEGINNING AN ASPIRIN REGIMEN

Although one aspirin here or there is perfectly safe, daily aspirin therapy is a decision you and your doctor should come to together. Men with a previous history of heart disease or a combination of risk factors will likely need to take aspirin daily or several times per week. Women under 65 are rarely placed on aspirin therapy unless they have many risk factors for heart disease like diabetes, smoking, are significantly overweight, or have a family history of heart disease. Risks associated with improper use of aspirin therapy include bleeding too easily, asthma, stomach ulcers, and heart failure. Be sure to discuss both the benefits and risks with your physician.