Harold, my mention of aspirin was one 5 grain uncoated tablet at the first sign of a heart attack. Then off to the hospital immediately. I did not have one, but thought I was, it did not do any harm. I was having a great deal of pain in both jaws and down the inside of my right arm. Turns out it was another heart condition, however they were going to give me aspirin when I arrived, and congratulated me for taking it myself. As to cholesterol, you never can tell, mine was about 150 with a very good ratio but there was 70% obstruction and I now have a stent, for which I take enteric coated aspirin every day. It costs nothing to keep uncoated aspirin on hand. It is fast. Stents sure are easier than a bypass. Nita