Aspirin A Day Keeps The Doctor Away?

Should you be taking an aspirin along with your daily multivitamin ? Some people seem to think so. While there are some side effects that are associated with taking aspirin, most doctors agree that if you are healthy and your physician cannot forsee any reaction to it, then the advantages far outweigh any disadvantages that can accompany ingesting it. The main advantage outlined in related studies is the prevention of heart attacks and the prevention of death from a heart attack if taken in time.

In October 1997 it was reported that up to 10,000 more people would survive heart attacks if they would chew one aspirin tablet when they first had chest pain or other sign of a heart attack. This was not the only study to come to this conclusion, and in the years to follow many other studies have concluded that aspirin can be a powerful life saver. It is now common knowledge that if an individual begins to have a heart attack or symptoms of a heart attack, they should be given an aspirin right away. Hospitals and emergency transports generally do follow this procedure and it has saved many lives. This drug is thought to be so effective because of the numerous effects is has on the body. For one, it interferes with the production of prostaglandins in the body which aer chemicals that regulate bodily functions. By blocking a number of these, aspirin lowers body temperature and relieves aches and pains such as headaches while reducing inflammation. The main reason it works so well for heart attack victims is its ability to prevent blood clots.

Aspirin has actually been used safely for many years. Even Hippocrates used to chew on the leaves of a willow tree to subside pains – the bark of the same tree is used to make aspirin. Although many people take aspirin daily, it can have side effects for people who have a low tolerance. It can be hard on the liver if combined with alcohol and it may aggravate stomach ulcers even causing internal bleeding. If you are unsure if you should be taking aspirin or not, speak with your doctor first.