An aspirin regimen, under a doctor’s care, is an easy, cost-effective way to lower the risk of a recurrent heart attack. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot, and aspirin works to help prevent clots.

Taking aspirin as directed by a doctor at the onset of heart attack symptoms can protect your heart from further damage until you get to the hospital. It can reduce the risk of death by up to 23% if taken at the first sign of a heart attack and for 30 days thereafter.

Aspirin reduces production of substances involved in the early stages of our body's blood clotting mechanism. This is why doctors may prescribe aspirin, as part of a regimen, for appropriate individuals to reduce the risk of recurrent heart attack or ischemic stroke (stroke caused by a clot).

Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.