Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The short answer from a cardiologist
A: Aspirin is a type of blood thinner called an antiplatelet. Antiplatelets reduce your blood cells’ ability to clump together to form a clot. If you have heart disease, you’re probably familiar with taking a low dose of aspirin to help prevent heart attack.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
However, if you have atrial fibrillation and are taking a different kind of blood thinner called an anticoagulant (such as heparin or warfarin) to reduce your risk for blood clots and stroke, it’s critical to talk with your cardiologist if you have an aspirin regimen or are planning to start one.
Sometimes, it’s important for patients to be prescribed aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix) with anticoagulants such as apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto) to prevent cardiovascular events. In many other cases, though, combining these two types of blood thinners could increase risk for bleeding that outweighs any potential benefit.
As with any medication, you should talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits associated with using aspirin.
— Interventional cardiologist Rishi Puri, MD, PhD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
There’s not enough evidence to show that this supplement has any effect on muscle aches from cholesterol-lowering meds
‘Black box warnings’ on medications outline potential risks and important instructions
These similar versions of brand-name drugs are safe, effective and often less expensive
Though these painkillers work in different ways, they can both help reduce a fever and pain
Erythritol is found in a range of “diet,” “sugar-free” and “keto-friendly” foods — but research has linked it to heart attack and stroke
Like any medication, prednisone can come with side effects — for best results, take it with food in the morning and work with your provider to get the dosage right
Drugmakers put a lot of effort and resources into finding the right name for generic and brand medications
You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods
