If your test results do not demonstrate an aspirin effect, it’s time to discuss the matter with your doctor.

Ideally, patients should be on the lowest possible dose of aspirin that’s effective. As with other medications and conditions, your doctor will likely review your medical history to make sure that there aren’t some other underlying causes (like high cholesterol) that could be affecting your aspirin response. Even something as simple as not taking your aspirin regularly or getting your aspirin mixed up with another drug can lead to aspirin resistance.

However, numerous studies in medical literature―including new findings from the recent CHARISMA Trial―now make it clear that aspirin effect is real. It can be measured, and it may be effectively treated by increasing dosage or adding an additional medication. If you’re resistant to aspirin and don’t know it or don’t get treated for it, you are at a clinically proven increased risk of heart attack or stroke.