Can
Aspirin Lower Your Stroke Risk?
A
lot of people take aspirin to relieve minor aches and pains.
But if you have suffered a stroke, this ordinary medication could
save your life. How? It may prevent stroke from striking again.
In
one study, 40,000 people took a daily aspirin after having a
stroke. Their risk of having another stroke was reduced by 30%.
How
Aspirin Works
Aspirin
seems to be most effective in reducing the risk of ischemic stroke—which
occurs when a blood clot cuts off oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
Regular aspirin use prevents these blood clots from forming.
Experts say that as little as 75 mg to 150 mg a day—about
one tablet or less—may prevent another stroke in patients
at high risk.
Aspirin
and Healthy People
Regular
aspirin use isn’t for everyone. Recent studies show that
it might be harmful to healthy individuals with no medical history
of stroke.
Aspirin
also can cause serious health risks, such as bleeding in the
digestive tract or brain. So talk to your doctor before taking
aspirin to reduce your risk of another stroke.
Other
Ways to Reduce the Risk of Stroke
If
you’ve suffered a stroke, you can control many of the factors
that increase your risk for another one. Here are some important
steps you can take:
- Keep
your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.
- Don’t
smoke.
- Exercise
regularly.
- Eat
a well-balanced diet low in fat and cholesterol and high in fruits
and vegetables.
- Drink
alcoholic beverages only in moderate amounts.
- Manage
your blood sugar levels, if you have diabetes.
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