Stroke aspirin can prevent a severe stroke

Study: People should take aspirin immediately if they have a stroke
A stroke can be known to have life-threatening consequences. Researchers have now found that people who have had a mild stroke or are experiencing signs of stroke should take aspirin as soon as possible. By taking the drug reduces the risk of suffering a severe stroke.

Scientists from Oxford University have now found in an investigation that aspirin can prevent people with a slight stroke or any signs of having a severe stroke. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "The Lancet".

Aspirin is often used for mild pain. For example, many people take the medicine for a headache. But the remedy can do more. Researchers have now discovered that aspirin can help prevent severe snakes. (Image: Photographee.eu/fotolia.com)

Aspirin reduces the formation of blood clots
A severe stroke can have dramatic consequences. For example, those affected may suffer from a disability or even die. Thus, researchers are looking for ways to prevent a major stroke before it can occur. Aspirin seems to accomplish this task extremely effectively. The blood-thinning drug has already been given to people who have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a "mini-stroke", but only after they have been hospitalized, the authors of the study explain. Researchers believe that aspirin reduces the subsequent risk of stroke by about 15 percent by helping to reduce the formation of blood clots through blood thinning.

Immediate intake of aspirin reduces the risk of a major stroke by up to 80 percent
The most effective is the drug, if it is taken as soon as possible. Taking aspirin, if it occurs as soon as possible after warning signs appear, can reduce the risk of a major stroke by up to 80 percent, the experts explain. Thus, an immediate self-treatment with aspirin may save the life of the person concerned. The results of the study show that aspirin is an important component in the prevention of severe stroke, explains Prof. Peter Rothwell of Oxford University. Immediate treatment with aspirin could significantly reduce the risk and severity of recurrent stroke. This finding has implications for physicians who should administer aspirin immediately if a TIA or mild stroke is suspected, rather than waiting for expert opinions and examinations, adds the physician.

Study examines data from 56,000 stroke patients
The researchers analyzed the data from 15 aspirin studies for their study. Over 56,000 stroke patients had participated in these, say the scientists. The physicians were able to determine that in the first few weeks after a slight stroke, almost all users of aspirin profited from the reduced likelihood of a severe stroke. Unfortunately, many sufferers do not seek medical help after they have had signs of a minor stroke. Or the patients delay their visit to the doctor for a few days, explain the researchers. Especially for such people, it would be important to reduce the risk of a severe stroke with aspirin. Nevertheless, such diseases remain a medical emergency and must always be treated by experts. People should generally be encouraged to take aspirin if they feel they notice signs of TIA or a minor stroke, the authors explain. Ingestion can dramatically improve the situation, especially when urgent medical treatment is not available, adds Prof. Rothwell. For the symptoms of stroke, you should take a dose of 300 mg of aspirin and wait for medical attention, advise the doctors. (As)