ASA for mitral valve regurgitation
Examples
|
| acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) | Asaphen, Aspirin, Anacin, Bufferin |
How It Works
ASA works quickly (within 15 minutes)
to prevent the formation of blood clots. This decreases the chance that a blood
clot will form and block a narrowed heart artery, leading to a heart attack or
stroke.
Why It Is Used
ASA can be used after mitral valve
surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots forming.
How Well It Works
ASA is effective in preventing
the formation of clots in people who have specific heart problems that make
clot formation more likely. But ASA is less effective than the
anticoagulant medicine warfarin (Coumadin).
Side Effects
Side effects of ASA include:
- Inflammation of the stomach
(gastritis).
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Allergic
reaction.
- Bruising and bleeding (hemorrhage) in the brain (rarely)
or other internal organs of the body.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
If you have mitral valve surgery,
your doctor will probably prescribe other blood thinners. Do not take ASA
along with these without your doctor's permission. Always inform your doctor of
any medicines or dietary supplements that you are using.
Brand-name ASA is no more effective than generic or store brands.
ASA is sometimes combined with another medicine like an
antacid.
ASA may be coated to help
prevent stomach upset.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | George Philippides, MD - Cardiology |
|---|
| Last Revised | May 17, 2010 |
|---|
Last Revised:
May 17, 2010
