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Key Points
- A heart attack is a continuous event that can cause severe damage to the heart and body, which can be limited by taking immediate action such as calling 911 and taking an aspirin.
- Aspirin reduces the clotting action of platelets, which can be beneficial during a heart attack as it slows down the formation of a blood clot that can block an artery, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching the heart.
- The use of aspirin during a heart attack can help keep the blood flowing and deliver necessary oxygen to the heart, reducing the chances of damage.
- It's important to consult with a doctor before starting an aspirin therapy as it can cause side effects such as clotting disorder, bleeding, ulcers, asthma or heart failure and is not advised for certain individuals with specific health conditions.
- While a daily aspirin regimen might be beneficial for those at high risk of a heart attack or stroke, it can also cause side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, stomach ulcers, and stomach bleeding, particularly in individuals over the age of 60.
A heart attack is not something that starts and ends in 5 minutes, it is an ongoing event. The damage to your heart as well as body can be limited by taking action the minute the heart attack begins. The first thing you need to do is call 911 for help. Then you want to take an aspirin.
How Aspirin Helps During a Heart Attack
The clotting action with the platelets is reduced by aspirin therapy. This clumping action is useful if say you have a cut since it stops the bleeding, however if it blocks an artery which is already narrow due to atherosclerosis, it could clot. The blood clot goes on to block up an artery and blood flow is kept reaching the brain or heart, a heart attack or stroke can be the result.
During a heart attack, your blood clotting is not what you want. Plague rupture in the coronary artery is what causes heart attacks. Once this rupture happens, the body thinks there is an injury and calls upon platelets. The platelets go to work triggering a blood clot, similar to cutting a finger. As the minutes tick by, the clot gets bigger. It continues to get larger unit the artery is completely blocked. Blood no longer flows to the area of the heart that the artery is serving.
Oxygen is no longer being carried to the heart by the blood. Without oxygen, this area of the heart starts to die. This is when a heart attack begins. If you take an aspirin during these few first minutes, you will actually slow down the platelets making it more difficult for blood clotting. You help to keep the blood flowing, which is bringing the necessary oxygen to the heart. By taking aspirin you will reduce the chances of damage happening from the heart attack.
Just like you would for any other type of medication, be sure you ask your doctor prior to starting aspirin therapy. There are many different types of medication that you can buy over the counter that is useful in life. The aspirin, when taken once a day without your doctor's consent may cause a clotting disorder or bleeding, ulcers, asthma or heart failure. It is not advised by doctors for women over 60 or men over 50 who have diabetes to take a daily low dose aspirin.
Possible Side Effects of Aspirin
If you have never had a stroke or heart attack but are at a
high risk of getting one, you might benefit from a daily aspirin regimen. However,
talk with your doctor or nurse practitioner first to be sure it is safe for you. Although researchers have noted that aspirin is safe to use
as directed, they could cause some side effects, as with any medication. Some
side effects may include stomach upset, nausea, stomach ulcers, and stomach
bleeding. There is little warning to stomach bleeding, and it may cause death.
If you are over the age of 60, you might end up being more sensitive to side
effects presented by aspirin. If you experience any side of effects of medication, find urgent care or call 911 immediately.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first thing you should do when you start having a heart attack?
The first thing you should do is call 911 for help.How does aspirin help during a heart attack?
Aspirin helps during a heart attack by reducing the clotting action with the platelets. This makes it more difficult for blood clotting, helping to keep the blood flowing, which brings the necessary oxygen to the heart.What causes heart attacks?
Heart attacks are caused by a rupture in the coronary artery. Once this rupture happens, the body calls upon platelets to trigger a blood clot. If the clot gets larger and blocks the artery, blood no longer flows to the area of the heart that the artery is serving, causing a heart attack.What happens to the heart during a heart attack?
During a heart attack, blood no longer flows to the area of the heart that the artery is serving. Without oxygen being carried to the heart by the blood, this area of the heart starts to die.Should you start aspirin therapy without consulting a doctor?
No, you should always consult your doctor before starting aspirin therapy. Taking aspirin without your doctor's consent may cause a clotting disorder, bleeding, ulcers, asthma or heart failure.Who is advised not to take a daily low dose aspirin?
Doctors do not advise women over 60 or men over 50 who have diabetes to take a daily low dose aspirin.What are the potential side effects of taking aspirin?
Some potential side effects of taking aspirin may include stomach upset, nausea, stomach ulcers, and stomach bleeding. There is little warning to stomach bleeding, and it may cause death.What should you do if you experience any side effects of medication?
If you experience any side effects of medication, you should find urgent care or call 911 immediately.
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