What Is Low-Dose Aspirin Used For?
Low-dose aspirin has long been used to help stop heart attacks and strokes. It works by thinning the blood and lowering the chance of clots. A clot in the heart or brain can cause serious harm or death.
Aspirin for heart attack is easy to get and cheap. But it can also be risky. The same action that stops clots can lead to bleeding inside the body. So how do you know if you should take it?
When Aspirin Helps the Most
If someone has already had a heart attack or stroke, aspirin can be a lifesaver. This is called “secondary prevention.” It means using aspirin to prevent another event. In these cases, the benefits are clear and proven.
But what about people who have never had a heart or brain event? This is called “primary prevention.” The benefits are not as clear. For some, aspirin may help. For others, it may do more harm than good.
The Trouble With Risk Scores
Doctors often use a tool called the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) to decide if someone is at risk for heart disease. But this tool has big flaws. Many people who score “low risk” still have serious disease. Others who score “high risk” may not.
One study of over 130,000 heart attack patients found that most had normal cholesterol. This means they wouldn’t have shown up as high risk on many tests.
Women are even more likely to be missed. Nearly two-thirds of women who die from a heart attack never knew they had heart disease.
A Better Way: Look for Disease, Not Just Risk
At BaleDoneen, we don’t guess based on risk scores. We check for signs of actual disease. We use lab tests and scans to look for plaque in the arteries. If we find plaque, we act fast to protect you.
One key test is called a carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) scan. It’s a painless ultrasound of the neck. It helps spot plaque early, before it causes harm.
What the New Studies Show
Many trials have tried to find out if aspirin works for people without known heart disease. The results are mixed. Some show a small benefit. Others show more harm than help.
Let’s look at three big studies:
1. ASPREE
This study looked at older adults with no history of heart disease. They took aspirin or a sugar pill each day. After five years, the aspirin group had more bleeding but not fewer heart attacks.
2. ASCEND
This one focused on people with type 2 diabetes. Some took aspirin, some didn’t. Over seven years, aspirin helped reduce heart problems. But it also caused more serious bleeding.
3. ARRIVE
This trial looked at people with moderate heart risk. The benefit from aspirin was small. Bleeding risks stayed the same. The study group turned out to be lower risk than expected, making it hard to judge.
Who Should Take Low-Dose Aspirin?
We believe that the key is to check for plaque. Here’s how we break it down:
- No Plaque: You don’t need aspirin. The risks are higher than the benefit.
- Plaque but No Heart Event: You may benefit. We call this “secondary prevention” in our method.
- Past Heart Event: You should take aspirin unless you can’t for some reason.
This is what we call a “three-tiered” system. It works better than just looking at age, sex, or blood numbers.
What Type of Aspirin for Heart Attack Should You Use?
If your doctor says aspirin is right for you, most people take a low-dose version — usually 81 mg a day. Enteric-coated tablets may be easier on the stomach, but some studies suggest plain aspirin works faster in emergencies.
If you think you’re having a heart attack, chew a regular aspirin tablet while waiting for help. Don’t take it on your own without a doctor’s advice.
Aspirin Resistance Is Real
Not everyone responds the same way to aspirin. Some people are “aspirin resistant.” That means aspirin doesn’t work as well to prevent clots. These people may still have strokes or heart attacks even while taking it.
One review found that about 1 in 4 heart patients didn’t respond to aspirin. These people had more heart events than others. If you’re starting aspirin, ask your doctor to test if you respond to it.
Other Things to Know
- Aspirin is not safe for everyone. It can cause stomach bleeding or ulcers.
- People with a history of bleeding problems should not take aspirin unless told to by a doctor.
- Never stop or start aspirin without talking to a medical provider.
Common Questions
What type of aspirin helps in a heart attack?
Chew one regular (325 mg) tablet. It works faster than coated pills.
Does low-dose aspirin help prevent stroke?
Yes, for some people — especially if they’ve had a stroke or have plaque.
How much aspirin is used for stroke prevention?
Usually 81 mg daily, but always follow your doctor’s advice.
Is aspirin a blood thinner?
Yes, it helps stop blood clots from forming.
Can aspirin cause bleeding?
Yes. That’s the biggest risk, especially in the stomach or brain.
Can aspirin be used for heart pain?
It can help with chest pain caused by a heart attack. But it’s not for daily use unless prescribed.
Final Thought
Don’t rely on guesswork. If you’re thinking about taking aspirin, get checked. Ask your doctor for tests that show if plaque is present. That’s the best way to know if low-dose aspirin is safe — and worth it — for you.
✔️ Talk to BaleDoneen about personalized heart testing.
✔️ Know your plaque status before starting aspirin.
✔️ Get the facts, not just the headlines.
