Did you know that although Dialysis Treatments are difficult on patients' bodies, it is not the direct reason that most patients die? In fact, the largest cause of Dialysis patient death is Cardiovascular (Heart Related) Disease. Well, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found that "taking a low-dose aspirin (formerly known as baby aspirin) can help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke for people at high risk," reported Kaiser Permanente. While Dialysis and Chronic Kidney Disease patients would be considered "high risk," is baby aspirin safe for them?
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Aspirin is well-known as an inexpensive, over-the-counter medicine used to relieve pain, fever, and swelling. It also helps to prevent blood from clotting. Low-dose aspirin comes in an 81-milligram dose.
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Although it is agreed that aspirin should not be used as a pain killer for those at End Stage Renal Disease (Stage 5 Kidney Failure), the use of baby aspirin to prevent Cardiovascular Complications (heart attack or stroke) in Chronic Kidney Disease patients conducting Dialysis remains a bit controversial.
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While many patients suggest, "My Nephrologist has me on one baby aspirin a day, but never for pain." Others noted about baby aspirin, "According to my Nephrologist.......NO WAY!" The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force study found that daily use can help prevent heart attack and stroke in people who are 50 to 70 years old with an increased risk of heart disease.
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Still, it is best for Dialysis patients to never change their Healthcare Plans without first talking with their Healthcare Teams. Ask your Nephrologists if low-dose aspirin is right for you to improve your heart health, longevity, and quality of life.
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When deciding whether a daily, low dose of aspirin would be safe and effective for you, you and your Nephrologist should talk about:
- Your personal health history
- Your lifestyle abilities, such as exercise and nutrition
- Any recent lab results
- Your risk of having a heart attack or stroke
- Your risk of having an aspirin-related side effect such as bleeding
Other ways to limit the effects of Cardiovascular Disease include light exercise (e.g. walking 6 minutes a day) and diet (e.g. eating fish at least three times a week).
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Do you take baby aspirin? If so, how often? Your insights could be very helpful to other patients so share your responses with the nearly 58,000 friends who have liked the KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Page (click here). Also, consider following the nearly 140,000 monthly visitors on KidneyBuzz.com for your Number One (1) source of Daily News, Information, Impact Meals, Inspirational Quotes, and tailored Products and Services which teach Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure patients how to better manage and improve their lives.