Aspirin and niacin for heart health
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 29 2009
Q: If you have had heart attacks in the family what is the dose of aspirin you should take? Also, if I were to take vitamins what would be the best to help with the heart, blood pressure, and cholesterol?
A: The risk of taking aspirin needs to be weighed against the benefits. You need to discuss this with your doctor. Niacin, otherwise known as B3 has been shown to improve blood fat levels. However, many people are unable to take this vitamin because of side effects. Taking niacin in prescription form often makes it more tolerable. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Tags: aspirin, b3, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart attack, heart attacks, Heart Health, Heart Health, niacin, side effects, Supplements, vitamin B, vitaminsBenefits and risks of low dose aspirin
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: Quite lately, I heard a doctor on Fox news extra indicate that the continued use of low dose aspirin to mitigate cardiovascular risks, has been researched and found to be pose some complications. He advised that the use be discontinued. I had to stop the use of low dose Aspirin. What do you think?
A: Low dose aspirin can cause serious bleeding. The risk of a serious bleed needs to be weighed against your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Not everyone has a high enough risk of a heart attack or stroke to make it worth the risk of serious bleeding from aspirin. In addition, recent studies have shown that some people don’t get any benefit from taking aspirin. You should make the decision about taking or not taking aspirin with the help of your doctor.
Tags: aspirin, cardiovascular, heart attack, Heart Health, Heart Health, low dose aspirin, Misc, strokeCan aspirin lower high blood pressure?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 02 2009
Q: I have read a lot of research about Aspirin. Is it still advisable to use it as a means of lowering high blood pressure?
A: It is well known that daily low dose aspirin can help prevent cardiovascular events. Daily aspirin therapy also increases the risk of serious bleeding so it is not recommended for everyone. The risks versus the benefits need to be assessed on an individual basis. Whether on not any individual should take daily aspirin is a decision that needs to be made in conjunction with their healthcare provider.
Tags: aspirin, cardiovascularAspirin for lowering blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 09 2008
Q: I have read a lot of research about Aspirin. Is it still advisable to use it as a means of lowering high blood pressure?
A: It is well known that daily low dose aspirin can help prevent cardiovascular events. Daily aspirin therapy also increases the risk of serious bleeding so it is not recommended for everyone. The risks versus the benefits need to be assessed on an individual basis. Whether on not any individual should take daily aspirin is a decision that needs to be made in conjunction with their healthcare provider.
Tags: aspirin, cardiovascular, Heart Health, high blood pressure, hypertensionHealthy cholesterol levels
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 03 2008
Q: All of the info I read about cholesterol says it should be below 200. However, my navy flight surgeon from years ago who is now an alternative medicine doctor, says at my age (73), it should be 220, which it has been for years. He also says to stay away from aspirin and statins which I am taking. What do you think?
A: In a healthy adult, a total cholesterol level of less than 200 is considered good. Lower levels are recommended for people with certain diseases. For a more complete discussion on cholesterol levels click here. Whether or not you should take aspirin or statins depends on your overall health status and your risk for heart disease. This is a decision that should be made in consultation with your primary care physician.
Tags: aspirin, cholesterol, heart disease, statinsCan taking aspirin daily cause hair loss?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 03 2007
Q: I take aspirin daily to thin my blood. Can this cause hair loss?
A: Aspirin has not been associated with hair loss. Crash diets, emotional stress, serious illness, and drugs can increase the rate of normal hair shedding but this does not result in permanent hair loss.
Tags: aspirin, drugs, Pain RelieversI take diltia and a diuretic for hypertension, what is the best pain reliever to take with these?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 24 2007
Q: I take Diltia and a diuretic for hypertension. What anti-inflamitant (i.e. aspirin) can I take that will not interfere with these meds?
A: Diltia is a type of drug known as a calcium channel blocker. It interacts with many medications including aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil and Aleve. Your best bet for an anti-inflammatory without the potential for an interaction is ice. Many people have forgotten about the soothing and anti-inflammatory nature of a topically applied ice pack.
Tags: aspirin, hypertension, interaction, medications, meds, Pain Relievers
