People with diabetes are between two and four times more likely to have a heart attack than those without diabetes.  This is why the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association say adults with diabetes should take a daily aspirin to help prevent heart attacks.  Platelets clot more easily in those with diabetes. Aspirin blocks platelets from sticking together as easily.  Preventing clots in the blood supply to the heart helps prevent heart attacks.

 

The American Diabetes Association recommends that every patient with diabetes who is older than 30 years of age take an aspirin every day.  A large national survey revealed that less than 20% of those who have diabetes and could benefit from aspirin take it regularly.  It is inexpensive and very effective. 

Very few exceptions apply to the daily aspirin recommendation.  Reasons to avoid aspirin include an allergy to aspirin or a high risk for experiencing bleeding complications.  Those who are on blood thinners, have active liver disease, or have recently experienced gastrointestinal bleeding should not take daily aspirin without discussing it with their doctor.  Additionally, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, aspirin therapy should not be initiated in patients younger than 21 years of age.

 

Michelle Herbert Thomas, PharmD, CDE