Aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid ASA, is the most widely used over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and fever reducing med in the USA. Aspirin at a low dose of 81 mg (“baby” Aspirin) reduces the risk of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes, and cardiovascular death significantly. Nonetheless, despite these great cardiac benefits, patients taking aspirin are also at a higher risk for unwanted bleeding, including risks for strokes caused by hemorrhage in the brain. Strokes can be caused by blocked blood vessels or by rupture of these vessels in the brain.
As with most medications, effects are dose-related. Individuals should also we aware that aspirin will interact with any other medication that alters bleeding, including the blood thinner Warfarin (Coumadin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) drugs like Ibuprofen, and any many herbal medications. Patients are often unaware that over 50 herbal meds can alter platelet and blood clotting function, ad they often fail to report the use of herbs and supplements to their healthcare provider. Drinking alcohol with aspirin can also worsen the development of bleeding from the GI tract. Therefore a patient’s physician must weigh the cardiovascular benefit of some meds against the risks of unwanted bleeding in individuals with cardiac problems.
Inform your dentist and physician if you are taking aspirin or any blood thinner, how much and how often. You may observe bleeding from your gums when you brush and floss your teeth. Discuss this finding with your dentist; most often bleeding is a sign of periodontal (gum) disease. Your dentist or hygienist will determine whether this sign is a result of aspirin therapy.
