Originally Posted By: Leigh_Ratcliffe
Unless you are an M.D. you SHOULD NOT give asprin to a suspected heart attack victim.

Get them to lie down. Elevate their limbs. Keep them calm. Call 911.

The reason thay you DO NOT give it is that it is very difficult for untrained individuals to differentiate between a heart attack victim and someone who is suffering a stroke.

If it is a stroke you will kill them.

There are main types of strokes. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot in the brain, and is the type that is similar to a heart attack. A hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, is caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain.

If it is a blood clot (ischemic) stroke, Aspirin will help the victim. If it is a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic) stroke, Aspirin will make matters worse.

Citation: American Heart Association: Aspirin in Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention
Quote:
Taking aspirin isn't advised during a stroke, because not all strokes are caused by blood clots. Most strokes are caused by clots, but some are caused by ruptured blood vessels. Taking aspirin could potentially make these bleeding strokes more severe.
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