What are the Most Common Uses for Low-Dose Aspirin?

Low-dose aspirin has not only been around for a surprisingly long period of time, but also appears to be effective in a number of health conditions. Most commonly, this product is used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain, such as that experienced in headaches, menstrual cramps, and so on. In addition, aspirin has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, due to its anti-coagulative properties. It has also been found to decrease the occurrence rates of certain types of cancers, and may even decrease the growth rates of cancers that have already been diagnosed.

One of the most common ways in which low-dose aspirin is used is in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. Some conditions which typically call for low-dose aspirin use include headaches, menstrual cramps, and pain associated with arthritis. For best results, individuals who take medication for these purposes are typically encouraged to take only two tablets of the medication at a time, with no more than four doses of the medication being taken over the course of a 24-hour period. In most cases, individuals who have used low-dose aspirin for a significant period of time and do not achieve pain relief will be prescribed a stronger pain killer.

Low-dose aspirin is also commonly prescribed in the treatment of heart disease. Aspirin is recommended for this purpose due to its anti-coagulative properties. By preventing blood cell coagulation, heart attacks and other severe cardiovascular system events are greatly diminished. Those taking low-dose aspirin for the treatment of heart disease will usually work closely with a physician or pharmacist in order to ensure the best results. Often, patients with a preexisting heart condition will already be on other forms of prescription anti-coagulants, and therefore aspirin use will be monitored in order to prevent excessive amounts of the medication.

Rates of certain cancers have also been found to be greatly diminished after following an aspirin regimen. Breast and prostate cancer rates appear to be most affected by low-dose aspirin consumption, though other forms of cancer may also see slightly lower occurrence rates. In addition, the severity of the cancer and growth rates appears to be slightly diminished in those with cancer who have been taking low-dose aspirin as opposed to others who have not, suggesting that this medication may actually slow the growth of the disease.