Aspirin, Coumadin and Plavix are widely used drugs, but that does not mean they are safe or effective.  

A study conducted in the United Kingdom in 2004 involved 279 participants from the Warfarin/Aspirin Study in Heart Failure*.  The participants were divided into three groups – one group was given 300 mg of aspirin, one was given a standard dose of coumadin and another was given placebo.  

After two years of follow-up, researchers determined that aspirin and coumadin did not provide any greater protection against death, non-fatal stroke, or non-fatal heart attacks, than the placebo.  Subjects who took aspirin were almost twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as compared to those who took coumadin or a placebo.  Additionally, the incidence of gastrointestinal problem was increased in the aspirin group.  

If you are taking aspirin, unfortunately, the problem is not solved by simply discontinuing use of it.  Studies have reported an increase in adverse cardiovascular events in patients who abruptly discontinue taking aspirin.  So, consult with a physician before you stop taking it.  

This study emphasizes that the use of drugs to treat symptoms – in this case, sticky, thick blood resulting from consumption of the rich Western Diet – is completely ineffective in preventing illness and death.  Yet these drugs continue to be prescribed by doctors who are either ignorant as to the findings of research or just set in their ways.  

*”The Warfarin/Aspirin Study in Heart Failure: a Randomized Trial Comparing Antithrombotic Strategies for Patients with Heart Failure,” American Heart Journal vol 148, no.1, July 2004