Blood Thinners: ASPIRIN
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Aspirin has been shown to improve survival when given during a heart attack. It also prevents recurrent heart attacks, and may even prevent first heart attacks in patients who are at risk. Aspirin also helps to keep arteries open in those patients who have had a heart bypass or other artery-opening procedure such as coronary angioplasty.
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Aspirin does increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients must be carefully assessed to ensure the benefits of taking aspirin outweigh the risks.
Talk to your provider about whether taking aspirin is right for you
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- Tell your provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have liver disease.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that people who regularly take aspirin shouldn't drink alcohol. Patients who have heart disease should stop drinking alcohol and keep taking aspirin if their provider prescribed aspirin as part of the treatment plan for their heart condition. Don't stop taking aspirin without talking to your provider first.
You should not start aspirin therapy without first consulting your provider. The risks and benefits of aspirin therapy vary for each person.
If you’re taking aspirin and you must undergo even a simple surgical procedure or dental extraction, you must tell the surgeon or dentist your aspirin dosage.
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