You have probably taken aspirin to treat a headache, body aches, or to bring down a fever. While most people know about these health benefits, some are not aware of the current studies that are underway regarding some of the other health benefits of aspirin. If you want to participate in clinical research or a paid research study involving aspirin, talk to your doctor. In the meantime, here are some aspirin studies that are currently underway.
Effects On Blood Platelets
Aspirin is thought to decrease the aggregation of the blood platelets. This means that it interferes with your blood's ability to clot. While this may seem ominous, it can actually be lifesaving for people having a heart attack.
In addition to inhibiting platelet aggregation, studies are now being evaluated to determine if aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in lowering arterial inflammation. People who have arterial inflammation are thought to be at higher risk for heart attack and stroke because when inner lumens of the arteries are obstructed as a result of inflammation, blood flow is impaired. Stagnant, impaired blood flow can quickly clot, and because of this, it may lead to a life-threatening stroke or cardiovascular event.
Tumor Formation
Other studies about aspirin have shown that it may lower your risk for certain cancers such as those of the colon, esophagus, lung, breast, and pancreas. Aspirin is thought to induce apoptosis, or cell death.
Apoptosis prevents cancerous cells from multiplying into cancerous tumors. If you are a cancer survivor or if you have a strong family history of cancer, talk to your doctor about enrolling in a paid research clinical study.
While aspirin is considered safe when taken in recommended dosages, it can raise your risk for heavy bleeding. If you take prescription anticoagulant medications, you may not be a candidate for an aspirin clinical trial because taking both prescription anticoagulants and aspirin may predispose you to a dangerous bleeding episode. It is important to note, that while aspirin may help lower your risk for certain cancers, it may take years of taking it before its preventative effects begin.
If you want more information about enrolling in a clinical trial, make an appointment with your health care provider. He or she will evaluate your medical and family history, and then recommend an appropriate study for you. While you do not need a referral or recommendation from your doctor for most current studies, it is still prudent to talk to your physician prior to enrolling.
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