Aspirin

Should you take one daily?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reports a daily 1 milligram “Baby” Aspirin is recommended for those in their 50s with a higher risk of heart attack or stroke over the next 10 years, but who do not have a history of a higher risk of bleeding. This group should also consider taking a Baby Aspirin to reduce the risk of colon cancer. But it takes 10 years of use to get this benefit. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause gastro-intestinal bleeding. This kills 20,000 North Americans each year. It is therefore prudent to discuss this decision with your doctor.

Millions of North Americans are taking this advice, adding a daily Aspirin to their routine to prevent cardiovascular disease. But is it a good idea for people who don’t fall int o the category described above?  The “Archives of Medicine” analyzed nine clinical trials to answer this question. The study concluded that for people without a history of heart attack or stroke, low dose 81 milligram Aspirin may do more harm that good. This daily practice decreased the chance  of a non-fatal heart attack by 20 percent, but there was a 30 percent increase in the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding. Moreover,the daily use of Aspirin did not reduce deaths from heart attack or stroke. So the benefit is for those who have already had a coronary attack. The study did also mention that Aspirin may decrease the risk of colon cancer.

More than a decade ago, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. warned that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could increase the risk of heart attack and strokes. Since then, the FDA strengthened its warning that over-the-counter drugs (OTC) NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Advil) can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with or without cardiovascular disease. The risk is greater with an increased dose and more dangerous for those who have had a recent heart attack or cardiac bypass surgery. And these complications can occur early in treatment.

This is good advice as too many people with minor headaches and other problems quickly reach for these painkillers. They forget that all medications can have unintended consequences.

How Sudden is it?

Sudden Heart Attack

Over the years we have all been shocked when a friend dies from a sudden heart attack. But is a sudden heart attack always so sudden?

Researchers studied the medical records of 567 men between 35 and 65 years of age who had an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. The results showed that 53 percent had symptoms prior to the attack. 56 percent of these men had chest pain, 13 percent experienced shortness of breath, and 4 percent dizziness, fainting or heart palpitations. These symptoms appeared from 4 weeks to one hour before the attack.

The moral? If you ever notice any of these symptoms, it’s prudent to immediately see your doctor. This can be a life-saving decision.

And what if you have pain in the chest as if a rope was being tightened around it?  What if you are alone?  Do you know how to perform CPR on yourself ?

Cough repeatedly and vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough. This gets oxygen into your lungs. The cough must be deep and prolonged as if trying to produce sputum. This squeezes the heart and keeps blood circulating. Your life depends on it. This sequence must be repeated every two seconds without let-up until help arrives or the heart starts beating again.

The Gold Standard for

Blood Pressure

The Gold Standard for normal blood pressure is 120/80. If it is higher but not over 140/85 it’s not cause for concern. Dr. Rudolf Westendorp, at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, says that the engrained dogma of what is normal blood pressure is wrong.

Westendorp claims that elderly people who have low blood pressure are more likely to experience dizziness on standing. Their pressure may drop to levels that fail to supply sufficient oxygen to the brain. This may result in falling with fatal consequences.

The moral? Attempting to get blood pressure too low can be just as critical as having a blood pressure too high. As Aristotle counselled two thousand years ago, moderation is the goal.