A patient died last week from a massive brain hemorrhage after mixing daily aspirin with fish oil supplements, all while following an influencer’s advice without telling or consulting his cardiologist. Dr. Arun L Naik, neurosurgeon at AIIMS New Delhi, shared the case on his Instagram page to warn others-Aspirin prevents heart clots, but high-dose fish oil thins blood further. The combo triggered bleeding no one saw coming.
The tragedy behind
The man took aspirin for blocked heart arteries, a standard move after issues like stents or angioplasty. He added fish oil capsules on his own, sold as a heart-healthy boost. Both stop platelets from clumping. Together, they made his blood too thin.Bruising came first, then nosebleeds and gum issues. It escalated to a brain bleed doctors could not stop. Dr. Naik sees this error often. Patients think “natural” means safe. Influencers push fish oil without caveats. In reality, capsules pack 1-2 grams of omega-3s daily, far beyond food levels.Eating fish twice a week stays fine. Pills concentrate the risk.
How the danger builds
Aspirin shines for stroke or heart attack prevention. It blocks platelet aggregation. Fish oil does too, through EPA and DHA. Combined, clotting slows dangerously.Early signs include easy bruises, prolonged nosebleeds, blood in stools, or heavy periods. High-risk cases bring internal gut bleeds or brain hemorrhages. India reports rising heart patients on aspirin. Supplements sales boom online. Many mix without checks.Over-60s, ulcer patients, or those on other thinners face worst odds. Petechiae, those red skin dots, signal trouble. Black stools mean gut bleeding. Headaches with weakness point to brain risks.
Everyday signs to watch out for
Patients often brush off clues. Light bumps leave big bruises. Gums bleed during brushing. Stools turn dark or tarry. Coffee-ground vomit screams urgency.Women note heavier flows and anyone with stents or strokes must pause supplements. Natural foods like walnuts or flax carry safe doses. Capsules overload the system.Dr. Naik stresses supervision. Cardiologists test clotting times and adjust plans. Self-medicating skips this safety net.
Safer path to heart health
Doctors recommend talking first. List all supplements at visits. Blood work spots issues early.Build protection right:Fatty fish like salmon or rohu, twice weekly.Nuts, seeds, green leafy veggies.Daily walks, no smoking, steady BP and sugar control.Post-procedure patients stick to prescriptions. Doses matter. Timings count. History guides choices.
A call to pause and act
Heart care saved this man once. Supplements ended it. Dr. Arun L Naik from AIIMS New Delhi urges caution. Question Instagram tips, says your cardiologist knows your full picture.Thousands take aspirin daily, one unchecked add-on risks lives, but precaution and consultation might save a friend on the same path. Talk to your doctor before starting anything new.
