Stopping Low Dose Aspirin Harmful
December 23, 2003
A side note in this week's issue:
DID YOU KNOW: Reports in the lay press are suggesting that it's dangerous for patients to stop low-dose aspirin. This comes from a small study. It suggests there's a higher risk of heart attacks shortly after stopping aspirin in patients who already have heart disease. Aspirin's protective antiplatelet effect is reduced within several days of stopping the drug. In fact, some experts recommend NOT stopping low-dose aspirin for most dental and medical procedures. In many cases, the risk of clotting outweighs the small increased risk of bleeding. Encourage cardiac patients to stick with their aspirin. Mayo Clin Proc 2003;78:1392-6.
Diabetes In Control Dot Com. The weekly newsletter for medical professionals in Diabetes care.
DID YOU KNOW: Reports in the lay press are suggesting that it's dangerous for patients to stop low-dose aspirin. This comes from a small study. It suggests there's a higher risk of heart attacks shortly after stopping aspirin in patients who already have heart disease. Aspirin's protective antiplatelet effect is reduced within several days of stopping the drug. In fact, some experts recommend NOT stopping low-dose aspirin for most dental and medical procedures. In many cases, the risk of clotting outweighs the small increased risk of bleeding. Encourage cardiac patients to stick with their aspirin. Mayo Clin Proc 2003;78:1392-6.