A sudden spell of dizziness, trouble walking or speaking, confusion or incoordination might signal a transient ischemic attack or TIA, even if it lasts for just a few minutes. Such a mini-stroke could be a red flag for a major stroke risk.
Aspirin and Stroke Risk:
A new study that analyzed data from 12 clinical trials involving over 15,000 subjects suggests that aspirin can reduce the risk. People who took aspirin following their TIA were 60 percent less likely to have a stroke over the next six weeks than those who did not. The absolute risk was not as high as that might sound, however. According to the researchers, “84 of 8452 participants in the aspirin group had an ischaemic stroke vs 175 of 7326” in the control group.
Severe or fatal stroke risk was reduced even more. In the first two weeks after a TIA, 2 out of 6691 people taking aspirin had a disabling or fatal stroke compared to 23 of 5726 in the control group. That’s a reduction of more than 70 percent. Although aspirin continued to keep the risk of a major stroke low for the next several weeks, there was no difference between the two groups after three months.
How Aspirin Might Help:
Aspirin helps to keep blood clots from forming and blocking a blood vessel in the brain. Aspirin is widely recommended as “first aid” along with calling the ambulance when someone has chest pain. Anyone who notices sudden vision problems, weakness on one side or slurred speech should call 911 and take an aspirin, say the investigators, in advice similar to that for people experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.
The Lancet, online May 18, 2016
The Downsides of Aspirin:
No one should start taking aspirin on a regular basis without talking the plan over with their doctor. Although aspirin can reduce the possibility of a second heart attack or stroke, it can also cause serious digestive tract irritation, including bleeding ulcers. These can be life threatening. There are also people who are allergic to aspirin and must avoid it. Also, people who are susceptible to wet macular degeneration should avoid aspirin, as it can make this condition worse (JAMA Internal Medicine, Jan. 21, 2013).
5/10/18 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/how-do-you-weigh-the-benefits-and-risks-of-aspirin/
