Those taking aspirin every day to thin blood and reduce stroke risk, take heed.
Researchers have found that, compared to those taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation (irregular and fast beating of the heart that can lead to stroke), patients taking aspirin were 1.9 times more likely to suffer a heart attack. The same paper found that a new class of drugs called direct oral anticoagulants also doubled the risk of heart failure for patients with atrial fibrillation.
Warfarin (also called Coumadin) comes with a host of nasty side effects. Given this predicament, consumers may be looking for alternative options.
Fortunately, there are natural products that reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular function:
- Aspirin derives from salycin, which comes from the bark of white willow trees. This natural product can be taken to relieve pain and fight inflammation.
- Nattokinase, an enzyme made from fermented soy, accomplishes many of the same good things without the bad side effects.
- Fish oil and exercise also can improve cardiovascular health.
- Other natural antiinflammatories might also be a good idea, depending on the advice of your integrative doctor.
By the way, aspirin has plenty of other scary side effects too—like internal bleeding. Read the full story here.
Other articles in this week’s Pulse of Natural Health:
Employee Privacy at Risk
EPA Ignores Fluoride Warnings
Animal Poop in Your Water?
