Dear Doctor, 

I read somewhere that aspirin reduces chances of getting a stroke. What is the recommended dose for an adult, and for how long should I take it?

Bizimana

Dear Bizimana,

Aspirin does reduce the chances of having a stroke and even a heart attack. This is because aspirin in preventing blood clot formation and breaking down of clots. Thus the catastrophic events like stroke are prevented, which occur due to a blood clot blocking blood vessels and cutting off the circulation of part of brain, leading to death of brain tissues. Depending on the part of the brain affected, one can have manifestations like loss of consciousness, convulsions, sudden blindness, paralysis of one or more limbs, etc.

However aspirin use is associated with some adverse effects as well. Regular use of aspirin can cause chronic irritation of the inner lining of stomach causing gastritis and peptic ulcer. There is also a high risk of bleeding from any site of body, including brain. Kidney failure can also occur as an adverse effect. Aspirin is known to precipitate and aggravate attacks of asthma in those who are susceptible to it. One can have allergic reaction to aspirin causing skin rashes, hoarse voice, low blood pressure, etc. To minimize adverse effects, aspirin is used in a low dose (75-80mg/day) regularly. But even with this low doze, one can have side effects. The susceptibility to develop adverse effects varies from person to person.

The risk factors for stroke are high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, high blood cholesterol and harmful (LDL) lipids level, alcohol, tobacco, physical and mental stress, lack of exercise, obesity and hereditary factors. A person can be given aspirin as a preventive measure against stroke, depending on presence of one or more risk factors. It may be given for a short duration say for a month or longer periods. But if a person has already suffered a stroke, aspirin is given in low doses for dissolving the blood clot blocking the vessel, so that perfusion is improved. It also helps in preventing a recurrence.

Dr Rachna Pande  is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital