Will long-term use of aspirin cause thinner blood vessels? Don't misunderstand the effects of drugs

A friend left a message for Huazi, saying that he had heard from others that long-term use of aspirin would make blood vessels thinner and thinner. Is this true? Huazi told him that this was not the case, but that many people had misunderstandings about aspirin.

The most commonly used low-dose aspirin (75mg~150mg) is an antiplatelet drug. For people at risk of ischemic heart and brain diseases, taking aspirin can inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent thrombosis. During the medication process, the blood vessels will not become thinner.

1. Aspirin does not affect blood vessels

The pharmacological action of aspirin is to combine with cyclooxygenase on platelets to produce irreversible acetylation, which ultimately inhibits platelet aggregation and prevents the formation of blood clots. Aspirin only affects platelets, but not blood vessels, let alone thinning them.

However, after taking aspirin, platelet aggregation is inhibited, and the coagulation time will be prolonged when a blood vessel ruptures. Many people worry that taking aspirin will cause cerebral hemorrhage, but in fact, the cause of blood vessel rupture is high blood pressure, not aspirin. When taking the drug, blood pressure needs to be controlled below 160 mmHg.

2. Aspirin can damage the digestive tract mucosa

Cyclooxygenase also exists in other parts of the human body and is also inhibited by aspirin, resulting in a decrease in prostaglandin secretion. Prostaglandins protect the digestive tract mucosa and promote mucosal regeneration. When prostaglandin secretion decreases, the digestive tract is easily eroded by its own digestive juices and damaged.

The most common adverse reaction of long-term aspirin use is damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, which may induce and aggravate ulcers, cause gastrointestinal bleeding, and even perforation. Therefore, people with gastrointestinal ulcers (gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers), gastrointestinal bleeding, etc. are not recommended to take aspirin.

3. Do not abuse aspirin

For people with atherosclerosis, the hardened plaques are unstable and may rupture. The surface of the ruptured plaques will induce platelets to aggregate and form thrombi. This is the cause of most cerebral infarctions and myocardial infarctions. Aspirin can prevent platelet aggregation and prevent the occurrence of thrombotic diseases.

However, if the plaques do not rupture, then taking aspirin will not work, and you will have to endure the adverse reactions of aspirin in vain. Relevant statistics show that for healthy people who have not suffered from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the risk of adverse reactions from using aspirin is offset by the potential benefits.

Therefore, it should be noted that aspirin should not be abused. It is only necessary for people who have had cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, coronary heart disease, carotid artery stenosis exceeding 50%, and acromial artery occlusive disease to prevent recurrence of the disease.

4. How to reduce the adverse reactions of aspirin

1. Understand the indications: A doctor’s evaluation is required before taking the medicine, and only people with a higher risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases can take it.

2. Pay attention to contraindications: People with contraindications such as blood pressure over 160 mmHg, gastrointestinal ulcers, allergies to aspirin, and coagulation disorders should not use aspirin.

3. Take in small doses: Use small doses of aspirin (75-150 mg per day, usual dose 100 mg), and do not take in excess.

4. Take on an empty stomach: Aspirin has a direct stimulating effect on the gastric mucosa, so now aspirin is basically enteric-coated preparations. It is recommended to take it on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals or before bedtime. It can quickly pass through the stomach into the intestines and reduce damage to the gastric mucosa.

5. Protect the gastrointestinal mucosa: In order to reduce damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, the drug can be used in combination with antacids and gastric mucosal protectants in the first 6 months of medication.

6. Pay attention to adverse reactions: If you experience abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting blood, black stools, etc. while taking the medicine, seek medical treatment immediately.

In summary, taking aspirin will inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time, but it will not thin blood vessels. Only people at risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases can take it, and do not abuse it. Before taking the medicine, it needs to be evaluated by a doctor and used under the guidance of a doctor. If you have any questions about the use of the medicine, please consult a doctor or pharmacist. I am pharmacist Huazi, welcome to follow me and share more health knowledge.