Taking aspirin can help protect against recurring ischemic heart attacks and strokes, but improper use may lead to serious outcomes, including hemorrhagic stroke. This makes it crucial to recognize contraindications, such as active stomach ulcers and ongoing bleeding. A cardiology expert notes the importance of careful assessment before starting or continuing aspirin therapy. [Citation: Clinical guidance from a cardiology specialist]
Cardiologists and primary care physicians often prescribe aspirin to reduce cardiovascular risk. This class of antiplatelet medications works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots. However, active ulcerative lesions and active bleeding are clear contraindications. In some cases, minor issues like nosebleeds or easy bruising may also raise concerns, though their management depends on the overall risk-benefit balance. When nosebleeds occur, specialists may consider cauterization or other local treatments, and an ear, nose, and throat expert is sometimes consulted to address the issue without stopping aspirin entirely. [Citation: Clinical practice guidance]
Indications for aspirin include myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, coronary artery disease, severe atherosclerosis, and several other conditions. A physician should always determine whether aspirin is appropriate, explaining to the patient how benefits and risks were weighed. [Citation: Clinical consensus on aspirin use]
Experts caution against issuing prescriptions with vague phrases like “let it be” or “just in case.” Such language may signal a lack of clear justification and should be avoided for all medicines, not just aspirin. This approach helps ensure that each drug choice is intentional and evidence-based. [Citation: Medical prescription standards]
Common side effects of aspirin include heartburn, stomach pain, ulcers, and, in rare cases, brain or intestinal bleeding. One clinician recalls a patient who suffered a brain hemorrhage after an aspirin prescription lacking solid indications. In many situations, if aspirin is not clearly indicated, prescribing a statin may be a more appropriate option for cardiovascular prevention. Statins reduce LDL, the so‑called bad cholesterol, and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, with fewer serious side effects than aspirin. Still, only a doctor should determine the use of either statins or aspirin. [Citation: Comparative safety profiles]
There is also a risk of confusing heart attack symptoms with stomach-related issues, underscoring the need for accurate assessment and patient education. [Citation: Diagnostic considerations in cardiovascular care]