Most people know that there is a health benefit to taking aspirin if you are trying to prevent a heart attack from occurring, but new research is also showing that taking aspirin may be beneficial when it comes to strokes, too. This new data indicates that if you have stroke like symptoms, sometimes called a mini-stroke or a warning event, then immediately taking aspirin can reduce the likelihood of having a major stroke over the next few days.
It is worth noting that the researchers involved in this study said that pretty much all of the benefits of aspirin could be found in the first few weeks after the mini-stroke. The risk of a major stroke is about 1,000 times higher after the first few days following a mini-stroke, and aspirin has now been shown to reduce that risk by about 70 to 80 percent, at least in this particular study. Aspirin has a blood thinning quality that has proven to be helpful when it comes to treating cardiovascular diseases, but its impact on helping to minimize the impact of a stroke has been largely unknown. There is still a lot to learn here, but the news that has emerged has been pretty encouraging. Aspirin can help, even if it is only for the short term. Aspirin also has so far shown itself to be the most beneficial drug to be used during this crucial period of time.
Aspirin may help in the first few days after a mini-stroke.
Strokes are one of the largest contributors when it comes to sudden disabilities. A severe and sudden disability can take someone who was otherwise in good health, and make the need for senior care an urgent thing. For some people, in-home care is enough to get them through the day, but in others, the disability and the difficulties that are created can be bad enough that a nursing home becomes the only option. Either way, if this could easily be avoided, it should be. Taking aspirin isn’t the only thing that can help. Ensuring that your loved one’s diet matches their needs and that they are getting some exercise will also help. Regular checkups at the doctor’s office will also help point out emerging problems before they get out of control, too.
You should always consult with a doctor before taking a new medication, even if it is aspirin. Not everyone can safely take aspirin, so it is smart to check with your primary care physician if this is something that you are considering. Being preemptive is always the best policy, so even if you have never had a stroke and even if you or an elderly loved one do not seem to be at risk of one in the near future, get in touch with a doctor now so that if this were to occur in the future, you can act with more confidence at the time. Having a plan like this in place is smart, and this level of preparedness will go a long way toward improving your and your family’s quality of life as you age.
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