BOSTON , MA . - Millions of Americans take aspirin to help prevent a heart attack or stroke. But many of them have what experts call "aspirin nonresponsiveness," and get little or no protection from aspirin. Although researchers continue to study this new problem and argue about its implications, the May issue of the Harvard Heart Letter advises that it's not too early to talk with your doctor about being tested to find out if you respond to aspirin.

Aspirin makes small pieces of blood cells less "sticky" and so less likely to clump and form blood clots that can block a blood vessel in the heart or brain. But ongoing research shows that

aspirin fails to stop platelets from clumping, or does it only partially, in 5%–40% of people who take aspirin. an individual's response to aspirin can change over time. people who do not respond to aspirin have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke than those who do.

The idea that aspirin doesn't work for some people is so new that many doctors either aren't aware of the phenomenon or are waiting for more research before testing their patients for aspirin nonresponsiveness. Patients often must take the initiative.

The May issue also includes articles on how low should cholesterol go after a heart attack; pulsating inflatable pants for treating chest pain; anger and heart disease; sleeplessness and inflammation; and clearing the confusion around eating fish

Related Information:

• Heart Beat: Women and heart disease  More • Calculating your heart disease risk (Page 3)  More • Complete Results of the Survey on Women's Attitudes to Heart Disease  More