Is baby aspirin enough to prevent blood clots?

Taking baby aspirin daily has been routine for millions of Americans looking to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin has blood-thinning properties that can reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming in the arteries. But these same properties can also cause ulcers and bleeding in the digestive tract.



People Also Ask

The plasma half-life of aspirin is only 20 minutes; however, because platelets cannot generate new COX, the effects of aspirin last for the duration of the life of the platelet (˜10 days). After a single dose of aspirin, platelet COX activity recovers by ˜10% per day as a function of platelet turnover.

MORE DETAILS

Aspirin and medicines such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may thin the blood. This can decrease blood clotting. Regular use of ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can increase bleeding risks. The medicines, as well as aspirin, also can lead to stomach ulcers.

MORE DETAILS