Is taking aspirin ok?

[venusi]

I have suffered from Sinus Tachy and High BP since I gave birth in 06.  It has been suggested I may have a hormone imbalance causing a lot of my problems.  However, I do know that it seem that my blood is thicker since giving birth and I do not know the reason for this.  Only that I experienced very very high levels of anxiety just after the birth and after the 4th month of having constant anxiety, inability to eat, chain smoking (as I stressed out badly) I resulted with an extremely high bp and continual elevated heart rate.

It has been under investigation since 07.  I have had lots of blood tests, echo cardiogram, dozens of ecgs.  I began having these episodes recently where I would get hot flushes a week before my period and with them i'd have a fast heart rate, really fast.  Then it would wear off and drop to normal, I feel very anxious the week before my period also, constantly having panic attacks.

Anyway, my boyfriend is 38 and he takes beta blockers, aspirin etc... because he has a heart condition and he told me that I should take aspirin to thin my blood as my circulation is terrible, if I cut myself I heal instantly, it seems that my blood has thickened and I am not sure why.  

What I would like to know, because my doctor is no help when I ask him question, he keeps trying to just concentrate on my mental health rather than the physical, if I take aspirin, would it affect my heart rate, I am worried that if I take the aspirin that it will increase.  It averages between 54 and 80 resting depending upon the time of my cycle etc... And in stressful situations it increases immensely regardless of the beta blockers (i.e. if I have a panic attack or if I get angry).  Will aspirin help to keep it lowered?

[ireneo]

Premenstrual stress and anxiety is not that unusual. The hot flushes and fast heart rate are a bit different. Is your thyroid OK? Has your gyn/ob checked your hormone levels? As for "thick" blood, also make sure you're well hydrated. And that doesn't mean sodas and coffee. ;-)

[Jerry_NJ]

First I say what you have told us in your post your doctor's concern about your mental health: anxiety and panic, seems on the mark.  Some get some help with those issues on this community, and I hope we can help you some there by sharing with you what we do to deal with similar problems.

I don't understand either what is meant by "thick" blood.  The therm "blood thinner" is in general a misnomer, that is medications that "thin the blood" really affect only the way the blood platelets interact, they do not thin blood.  Aspirin is the simplest of these and other than interactions with other medications and possible stomach irritation most would agree it is a good idea to add aspirin to your daily regiment.  Surely you've seen the adds on t.v., by aspirin manufacturers, this adds are true.  Other medications like Coumadin/Warfarin affect how the blood coagulates, they too are frequently called "thinners", they do not thin the blood but they do have a very pronounced effect on blood coagulation.  They are available only under a doctor's care.  There are other drugs but the names escape me at the moment.

I think the best next steps is to somehow stop smoking while focusing your mind on positive aspects of life, including work, friends, family...

Wish you much improvement this new year,