If you have diabetes, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) both recommend that you talk with your doctor about taking aspirin, even if you haven't been diagnosed with any kind of heart problem.
The AHA recommends the use of aspirin for anyone who has experienced a heart attack, a stroke, or has angina. Clinical evidence shows that aspirin helps prevent the recurrence of heart attacks or strokes. But for some reason, people with diabetes seldom follow that good medical advice.
Because there are side effects associated with aspirin, never begin a daily regimen without the support, knowledge, and supervision of your doctor.
What Causes a Heart Attack or a Stroke?
Your blood is full of platelets. Their primary job is to help in clotting. When a blood vessel is torn or cut, platelets accumulate to slow and stop bleeding. That's good. Blood clots can also block a blood vessel and in some cases cause a heart attack or stroke. That's bad.
Buildup of plaque in the arteries causes narrowing (hardening of the arteries) and increases the risk from clots. If you have had a heart attack or stroke or have hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), the risk from a clot is greater than the risk from bleeding.
Aspirin to the Rescue
Taking an aspirin a day reduces the clotting ability of all those platelets and protects your heart and brain from serious damage. Aspirin is readily available and very cheap -- a rare occurrence among medications. People with diabetes have an added problem: "sticky" platelets. Their platelets are more prone to cling to blood vessel walls than platelets in those who do not have diabetes. Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack by as much as 60 percent in those with diabetes.
Is There a Downside to Aspirin?
- Aspirin can cause an upset stomach or even an ulcer, but taking aspirin with a meal or using coated aspirin can help.
- Your clotting will be reduced when taking aspirin and you will bruise and bleed more easily. Aspirin, in rare cases, can cause internal bleeding.
- Some people are allergic to aspirin, but there are prescription drugs that will give you the same protective effect.
- Be sure the product you take contains aspirin and is not primarily made of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin).
- You should not drink alcohol while taking daily aspirin.
- Let your doctor or dentist know about your aspirin therapy if you are going to undergo any kind of surgery. The anti-clotting characteristics can last up to 10 days after you stop taking the aspirin.
Summary
For most people with diabetes, aspirin can be helpful in protecting against heart attack or stroke. Do not begin a daily aspirin regimen without consulting with your doctor. Always follow the recommendations made by your medical team.
It is always a good idea to reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering high blood pressure, quitting smoking, lowering high cholesterol levels, losing excess weight, becoming physically active, and drinking alcohol only in moderation, if at all. |
