Aspirin Withdrawal May Pose Risk To Coronary Patients

Science Daily ^ | 10-30-2003

[Judith Anne]

Somewhere years ago I read how this aspirin protective effect was discovered, and no, I can't remember where or when, but it's been known for over thirty years.

There were two groups of diabetic patients, one with arthritis being treated with varying daily doses of aspirin, and one without arthritis who took no aspirin. The heart attack rate in the second group was much higher, and the variable was arthritis being treated with aspirin.

So a longitudinal study was done with other diabetics (who are, as a group, prone to heart disease), and the aspirin proved to be beneficial.

I take aspirin 3-4 times a day in the form of alka-seltzer for arthritis. A doctor suggested it, saying it would be easier on my stomach than regular aspirin. It definitely relieves the arthritis pain, and makes it possible to work the 12 hour shifts I do. And so far my EKGs have been perfect. I'm very glad to see this article, it reminds me that I need to keep up the aspirin, even when I feel well, I'm at the normal age in my family for the onset of Coronary artery disease, though I don't seem to have it.