Aspirin (Cardiology)

Action

A low dose of aspirin helps to stop blood clots. It lowers the risk of you having a heart attack or stroke. It is usually given to people:

• who have already had a heart attack
• who have already had a stroke
• who have angina
• who have problems with their blood circulation that could lead to a heart attack or stroke

Taking your aspirin

Take your dose at the same time each day. Aspirin is usually taken in the morning with or soon after a meal. There are two types of aspirin:

• Soluble aspirin – dissolve the tablet in a little water and drink the mixture.
• Enteric coated aspirin – swallowed the tablet whole and wash it down with a little water. The tablet must not be crushed or chewed.

Problems to watch out for

• People who have had a stomach ulcer should not take aspirin. Your doctor can give you another medicine to reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Tell your doctor if you get stomach upset or stomach pain after taking aspirin.  Tell your doctor if you see blood in your vomit or faeces while taking aspirin.
• Tell your doctor if you feel wheezy after taking aspirin.
• Do not take any other medicines containing aspirin. The amount is too small to help with pain relief. If you need a pain killer, paracetamol is usually safe to take.
• Tell your doctor if you get any unusual effects from taking aspirin.
• Children under the age of 16 years should not normally take aspirin unless the doctor tells them to.
• Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take aspirin unless the doctor tells them to.