ASPIRIN, the wonder drug

Aspirin does it all

It has long been known to offer significant protection against heart attack and stroke. More recently, it has been shown that aspirin's anti-inflammatory effect not only helps with killing pain but also decreases the risk of colon and breast cancer, and it may also slow the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Here's what you need to know about this little pill and who should and shouldn't take it:
  1. ASPIRIN AS PAINKILLER
  2. ASPIRIN AND THE HEART: aspirin in preventing heart attacks
  3. ASPIRIN AND THE BRAIN: Aspirin is a well-known preventive against strokes. There is 45% reduction in the incidence of Alzheimer's disease in patients who were taking aspirin at least four times a week.
  4. ASPIRIN AND THE BREAST: aspirin use may cut down on the incidence of estrogen-dependent ­tumors, like breast cancer.
  5. ASPIRIN AND THE COLON: Aspirin's role as an anti-inflammatory agent also appears to interfere with the growth of intestinal cancer cells and their ability to attract a blood supply
ASPIRIN AND ADVERSE REACTIONS:
But not everyone should take aspirin, because the drug is not free of side effects. Since aspirin causes platelets to become less sticky, the risk of bleeding is increased. The primary organs at risk for aspirin-related bleeding are the stomach and the brain.

People who already have had ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding should be carefully screened before considering aspirin.

A recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine revealed that patients taking 81mg of aspirin will not have any side effects.