Add Meds or not?

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Specializes in Med-surg, Critical Care.

I am a 24 year old cardiac nurse who has a family history of heart problems. My father passed away several years ago at age 43 from an MI, it was not sudden although it did seem like it at the time. He had angina for quite some time, refused to see a doc. Finally he went to the ER one night, vitals were stable, EKG was normal, enzymes normal. He came home with nitro S.L., but never carried it with him. He was a smoker since he was 13, and had a history of drinking as well. No other significant family history for CAD. He had a fatal heart attack at work one day soon after. I think he'd already suffered an MI previously and too much damage to sustain another. My question is: should I add a baby aspirin to my morning routine for some added protection against this? I had my full lipid profile drawn last year which came back very good, primary doc did an ECHO and EKG all within the last two years. I don't smoke, drink, and try to get exercise at least walking 30 minutes three times weekly. I TRY to follow a healthy diet, the best I do is cut out caffeine. I am a normal weight although I could stand to drop 10 extra pounds but right now is not the time as I've just moved to a new home with my husband and started NP school. I just want some opinions-should I add an ASA, I am concerned about preventing this, what do you other cardiac nurses think?

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Specializes in ICU, telemetry, LTAC.

I would say, since you've had all this other stuff done, ask your doctor, it does sound like an okay idea, but I am kinda iffy about recommending stuff to people.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I am a 24 year old cardiac nurse who has a family history of heart problems. My father passed away several years ago at age 43 from an MI, it was not sudden although it did seem like it at the time. He had angina for quite some time, refused to see a doc. Finally he went to the ER one night, vitals were stable, EKG was normal, enzymes normal. He came home with nitro S.L., but never carried it with him. He was a smoker since he was 13, and had a history of drinking as well. No other significant family history for CAD. He had a fatal heart attack at work one day soon after. I think he'd already suffered an MI previously and too much damage to sustain another. My question is: should I add a baby aspirin to my morning routine for some added protection against this? I had my full lipid profile drawn last year which came back very good, primary doc did an ECHO and EKG all within the last two years. I don't smoke, drink, and try to get exercise at least walking 30 minutes three times weekly. I TRY to follow a healthy diet, the best I do is cut out caffeine. I am a normal weight although I could stand to drop 10 extra pounds but right now is not the time as I've just moved to a new home with my husband and started NP school. I just want some opinions-should I add an ASA, I am concerned about preventing this, what do you other cardiac nurses think?

Hello, LOVERN,:balloons:

Please see your healthcare provider for this information. As you are aware, this is not a medical advice BB.

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Hey LoveRN

I have a strong cardiac family history, too. (Of my grandmother's three male g-sons, I'm the only one still alive. My cousins on her side ALL died 'sudden cardiac death'.)

I make sure I've had a stress test every decade. It's no fun 'running full speed up a wall 'til you're ready to pass out'. But that's what makes me feel like I've dodged the CAD bullet.

Papaw John

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Specializes in long term care.
I am a 24 year old cardiac nurse who has a family history of heart problems. My father passed away several years ago at age 43 from an MI, it was not sudden although it did seem like it at the time. He had angina for quite some time, refused to see a doc. Finally he went to the ER one night, vitals were stable, EKG was normal, enzymes normal. He came home with nitro S.L., but never carried it with him. He was a smoker since he was 13, and had a history of drinking as well. No other significant family history for CAD. He had a fatal heart attack at work one day soon after. I think he'd already suffered an MI previously and too much damage to sustain another. My question is: should I add a baby aspirin to my morning routine for some added protection against this? I had my full lipid profile drawn last year which came back very good, primary doc did an ECHO and EKG all within the last two years. I don't smoke, drink, and try to get exercise at least walking 30 minutes three times weekly. I TRY to follow a healthy diet, the best I do is cut out caffeine. I am a normal weight although I could stand to drop 10 extra pounds but right now is not the time as I've just moved to a new home with my husband and started NP school. I just want some opinions-should I add an ASA, I am concerned about preventing this, what do you other cardiac nurses think?

Best option is to talk to your healthcare professional. Personally, I am adopted, so I do not know my family history. I am slightly overweight (about 30 pounds) and have high cholesterol and diabetes. I started on enteric coated aspirin 325 mg daily and that was fine with my doc. But, again, your doctor is your best resource. Please talk to him/her.

Sorry for your loss, 43 is such a young age. :crying2:

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