What is everyone's feeling on taking aspirin?

[Spunkey71]

I am curious as to what everyone's feeling is about taking mini aspirin? I have read that taking an mini aspirin every day can aid in lowering Hematocrit among other things. I donate regularly but if taking an mini aspirin a day could result in me having to donate less often then I am all for it.


Thanks

 

[Mprtz]

I'm not sure how it would lower hematocrit, but I think low dose aspirin has been shown to reduce the chance of clots by keeping blood cells from sticking together. So I think it may somewhat offset the effects of high HCT, but I don't believe it will reduce HCT itself.

 

[Megatron28]

There is a lot of positive research on the benefits of taking 81mg of aspirin daily. From cardiovascular health to reducing the risk of cancer. From a cost/benefit ratio there probably isn't a better drug out there. You just have to be careful not to take it if you are prone to stomach or kidney problems.

 

[3J]

yup.. its a nsaid..

i take any nsaids at all and im in hell with my stomach..

 

[Spunkey71]

Thanks guys!

 

[halfwit]

I'm not sure how it would lower hematocrit, but I think low dose aspirin has been shown to reduce the chance of clots by keeping blood cells from sticking together. So I think it may somewhat offset the effects of high HCT, but I don't believe it will reduce HCT itself.

Yep, it makes your platelets slippery. It's why they have you refrain from taking it 72 hours prior to platelet apheresis. Plenty of positive benefits, almost no negatives as long as you're not one of the unlucky few that are hypersensitive to it.