Health Tip: Taking a Daily Aspirin
A daily low-dose aspirin can help reduce the risk of heart attack in people with higher-risk conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
While aspirin is generally safe, there are some people who shouldn't take it, since the drug can irritate the stomach lining.
The American Diabetes Association says the following people should talk to their doctor before beginning daily aspirin therapy:
- People younger than age 21.
- People who bleed often or easily.
- People who are allergic to aspirin.
- People who have had recent bleeding in the digestive tract.
- People with current liver disease.
Health Tip: Taking an NSAID
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are pain relievers, many of which are available without a doctor's prescription. They include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.
While NSAIDs are safe for most people in recommended doses, the American Academy of Family Physicians says the following people shouldn't take these drugs unless they've consulted a doctor first:
- Anyone who takes a blood-thinning medication.
- Anyone with bleeding in the stomach, intestines or any type of bleeding disorder.
- Anyone who has stomach ulcers.
- Anyone who has liver or kidney disease.
- Anyone who consumes three or more alcoholic drinks per day.
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