MEDICAL MOMENT: SHOULD I TAKE ASPIRIN DAILY?

21 Jul MEDICAL MOMENT: SHOULD I TAKE ASPIRIN DAILY?

Telluride Inside… and Out is proud to feature the Telluride Medical Center’s MEDICAL MOMENT, a weekly column that answers common medical questions in pop culture. Have a question for the doctors? Click here to send.

Dr. Diana Koelliker answers this week’s question:

Dr. Diane Koelliker

SHOULD I TAKE ASPIRIN DAILY?

So, here is the scoop.

The answer is probably “yes” if you have ever had a heart attack or a stoke (the ischemic or clot-kind of stroke). Aspirin has also been shown to potentially decrease the risk of certain cancers. However, if you are an otherwise healthy person, the answer is less clear.

Aspirin carries the risk of bleeding, so if you have had a stomach ulcer, if you are on medications or have an illness that increases your risk of bleeding, then aspirin may not be a good idea. In addition, people (particularly those with asthma) can have an allergic reaction to aspirin.

In conclusion, you should discuss taking a daily aspirin with your doctor who can best balance the risks and benefits for you.

Editor’s note: The Telluride Medical Center is the only 24-hour emergency facility within 65 miles. You can choose your own medical provider visit with a specialist or take advantage of their Mountain Skin Care services. As a mountain town in a challenging, remote environment, a thriving medical center is vital to our community’s health. For more Medical Moments on TIO, Click Here.