Low dose aspirin (81 mg.) - High Cholesterol Message Board

Mr. Detail · 07-17-2007, 09:15 AM

Does anyone have a recommendation on the best time of day (if any) to take a low dose, 81 mg. aspirin? Or should I take two 81 mg. aspirins and spread them out as in am/pm? I thought I read a psot here awhile back that stated there were better cholesterol results by taking more than just 81 mg.

Guy1_USA · 07-17-2007, 10:43 AM

I've never heard of aspirin helping with cholesterol... where did you read that...?

In fact, I have read that elevated cholesterol level will actually interfere with aspirin's ability to reduce heart attacks. That is, 60% of those with T-C 220 or higher received no benefit from aspirin, bit it did help 80% of those with T-C of 180 and lower.

So... my take on this is that cholesterol needs to be lowered first before deciding to add aspirin to your regiment of heart desease medications.

Mr. Detail · 07-17-2007, 11:40 AM

Ventureman, so what does this mean for those with Total Cholesterol numbers between 180 and 220? Are they in limbo?

Connie122516 · 07-18-2007, 06:51 AM

If you are taking niacin, taking an aspirin with or 1/2 hour before you take the niacin may help reduce flushing. Otherwise, I don't think it matters when you take the aspirin.

The purpose of taking an aspirin is that it reduces the "stickiness" of platelets, thereby reducing the likelihood of a blood clot that would cause a heart attack. I have not seen anything that suggests a relationship between aspirin use and cholesterol level (but I suppose it is possible, and I certainly haven't read every study).

There are bleeding and gastric risks of taking aspirin everyday, so you really should discuss it with your doctor before self-medicating in this way.

Lenin · 07-18-2007, 08:12 AM

Echoing what Connie said, the time of day doesn't matter at all. When aspirin attaches to a platelet it makes that platelet semi-immune to clumping and the effect lasts for the life of the platelet...about 7-10 days. Thus you must take it every day because about 10-15% of your platelets are made anew every day...and the new ones must be protected.

I have read in several places that over 25% of people will NOT be adequately protected with an 81 mg. dose and that percentage drops steadily with increasing dosage. Another study has shown there is a buset of peoplke who responded to 81 mg at first but very soon (week or two) needed more to get the anti-clumping effect.

Some doctors are now recommending 162 mg./day. I feel that 325mg. is wisest for people without gastric symptoms...a heart attack, especiallyn for people WITH heart disease, is just too awful to flirt with just because doctors are trying to cover their judicial risk.