Function

• Aspirin has been shown to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by reducing blood clotting.
  
  

Considerations

• The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends aspirin therapy for people who have had, or are at high risk for, heart attack and stroke.
  
  

During a Heart Attack

• The AHA stresses that during a heart attack, the first course of action is to call 9-1-1. Taking an aspirin might then be advised by the 9-1-1 operator. The AHA notes that aspirin can increase your chance of survival after a heart attack.
  
  

During a Stroke

• The AHA advises against taking aspirin during a stroke. Not all strokes are caused by blood clots. Some are caused by ruptured blood vessels. Aspirin can increase the associated bleeding.
  
  

Cancer

• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reports evidence showing that regular aspirin intake can decrease the chances of developing colon polyps and dying from colon cancer. Aspirin also shows promise in preventing death from other types of cancer.
  
  

Dosing

• A baby aspirin, often used in aspirin therapy, is 81 mg. Doctors may prescribe a dose of anywhere between 75 and 325 mg, which is the amount in a regular-strength aspirin.