Aspirin happens to be the most used drug worldwide to prevent heart attack and stroke with more than one-third of U.S. adults on daily aspirin doses. The conclusion to the debate about whether or not you should take a daily dose of aspirin and how much and how often is becoming more clear but it is not quite complete.

Guidelines released by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) offer new recommendations that address such issues as age, gender, possible complications and gastrointestinal bleeding. The guidelines were published in the March 17, 2009 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The major point the task force makes is that lower doses of aspirin appear to be as effective as higher doses and safer at preventing heart attacks and strokes. Specific recommendations are: For men ages 45 to 79 to take aspirin if there are benefits in preventing heart attacks which outweigh the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding. For women ages 55 to 79 who should consider taking aspirin to reduce their chances of stroke more than the risks of GI bleeding. Women younger than 55 and men younger than 45 who haven’t previously had a heart attack or stroke are advised not to take aspirin for prevention.

In other words, the benefits of aspirin use always have to be balanced against the risks. If a patient has low risk of events in the future, aspirin should not be prescribed. If the risk is very high then aspirin is clearly needed. In addition, lower doses of daily aspirin are equally if not more effective in preventing heart attack and stroke in at-risk individuals as are higher doses.

One key finding of the Women’s Health Initiative is that aspirin did not prevent first heart attacks in women but it did reduce the risk of stroke. Earlier studies, involving just men, showed aspirin did just the opposite.

There are, however, some differences of opinion. The American Heart Association says all women over 65, regardless of their cardiovascular risk status, should take aspirin.

What everyone does agree upon is that whatever you do and whatever your dosage, work with your doctor.

A powerful way to fight heart disease and improve the quality of life is to consume fish oil supplements on regular basis. This has been proved by many research studies. A bad heart condition, where the heart muscle is weakened and not pumping efficiently, fish oil supplement like omega 3, helps improve the elasticity of the blood vessels, reduces inflammation and improves the rhythm. Omega 3 oil comes with fatty acids – DHA and EPA – and some amounts of vitamin A and D as well which are abundantly found in fish. While there are numerous other sources of getting vitamin A and D in the body, DHA and EPA are mainly only consumed through fish oil. But in addition to searching for high quality fish oil supplement, it is needed to be cautious about the dosage amount.

Effects of over dosage

The effect of fish oil over dosage depends on the quantity that was consumed and the age of the person. It also depends on whether it was taken with any other substances. Side effects of fish oil supplements are similar to any of the side effects of usual fish oil. Taking too much of fish oil supplements may cause upset stomach or more serious problems. It might also increase the risk of bleeding, including dangerous internal bleeding (such as gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding in the brain). Overdose of omega 3 capsules can increase the levels of vitamin D in our body which might prove to be detrimental to health. Overdose symptoms of omega 3 oil may include hardening of arteries and weakening of bones. Swelling of face, lips, tongues or throat is also symptoms due to over dosage. If these conditions occur, immediately stop taking omega 3 capsules and consult doctor.

A fish oil supplements over dosage is not likely seen in the children. As these capsules are too large for the children to swallow most children do not take it. Also the oil does not taste pleasant if the capsules are opened. However, because anything is possible, make sure that this product is out of reach from the children. It is even advisable to store these fish oil supplements in the freezer, as it can help prevent fishy after state.

Treatment and precaution

Research is being undergone on the various ways of treatment of fish oil supplements over dosage. The treatment will consist of supportive care. For instance, if an overdose caused bleeding, then supportive treatment would include providing medications or procedures to stop the bleeding. Doctor must be consulted if large amount of this fish oil capsule is taken. There may be other drugs that affect the fish oil. In such case, this has to be noted to the doctor.

Medication has to be stopped immediately and emergency help has to be taken during over dosage. Moreover, less serious side effects are more likely and at times there won’t be any kind of side effects. It is important that medical attention has to be taken immediately as soon as it appears that over dosage of fish oil supplements is taken.