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Aspirin
Is
the most common of all medicines also one of the most effective?
Although it's human nature to wish for a pill that will bring good
health,
you probably won't be surprised to read that there is no such thing.
Aspirin, however, the humble pain reliever derived more than a century
ago from the bark of the willow tree, has certainly been touted as
a cure for more illnesses than any other drug. Let's look at some of
the uses that have been suggested for aspirin and what the latest evidence
has to say:
- Reduces
the risk of heart attack and stroke. Because aspirin reduces
the tendency of blood to clot, it can reduce the chances of heart
attack or stroke in those who are at risk.
- Reduces
the risk of heart attack in diabetics. Because diabetes is a
strong risk factor for heart disease, aspirin has been shown
to be a valuable preventive in diabetics.
- Reduces
the risk of colorectal cancer. The jury is still out. Some studies
have shown a preventive effect; others have not.
- Reduces
the frequency of migraine headaches. Aspirin appears to prevent
some migraines, although it is not helpful in relieving them.
- Treatment
of heart attack. Aspirin may help break the clots that cause
heart attacks once one starts, but other drugs do an even better
job.
- Fewer
gallstones. Most recent research has found no protective effect,
but some studies have found lower rates of recurrence of stones
in people who take aspirin.
- Prevention
of cataracts. Recent studies have refuted this claim.
Should
you be taking aspirin regularly? Not unless you've discussed it
with your doctor. Aspirin is a potent drug, one that some pharmaceutical
researchers suggest would be available only by prescription if
it were developed today. Besides its beneficial effects, aspirin
worsens bleeding disorders, can cause ulcers, and produces allergic
reactions in some people.
On the other hand, don't hesitate it to ask your doctor about taking
aspirin. For some of us, aspirin can be an inexpensive aid to good
health. The only treatments that are cheaper (and they also are lower
risk) are a healthful diet and exercise.
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