Fish Oil vs. Aspirin for Heart Health: A Comprehensive Comparison

Fish oil and aspirin are potent allies in the fight against heart disease. Both fish oil and aspirin function as anti-inflammatories, which may prevent the formation of blood clots. Read below for more information about fish oil and aspirin.

Features

• Fish oil is obtained from fatty fish like salmon, tuna and herring. Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a pharmaceutical.

Function

• Aspirin reduces pain, prevents the recurrence of heart attacks and may save your life in the case of a heart attacks, says the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA notes that fish oil helps heart health by reducing the risk of arrhythmias and lower triglyceride levels.

Side Effects

• Fish oil induces side effects like gas, bloating, belching and bad breath. Aspirin, on the other hand, may cause stomach pains, nausea and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Considerations

• Aspirin should be avoided by people who have bleeding problems and stomach bleeding disorders. Likewise, fish oil should be limited in people who have a bleeding disorder.

Warning

• Talk with your physician about the benefits and risks of taking fish oil and aspirin as supplements. Aspirin and fish oil may increase bleeding if taken together.