For decades, many people believed that taking a low-dose aspirin daily was a safe and effective way to prevent heart attacks and strokes, as well as delay the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults.
Recently, however, a number of studies have contradicted this widely held belief. The findings show that adults with no history of CVD may be negatively affected by a daily aspirin routine. In fact, daily aspirin consumption is associated with health risks for some people and health benefits for others.
What Are the Risks?
Evidence published by the American College of Cardiology, as well as the American Heart Association in March 2019, concluded that adults following a low-dose aspirin routine are at a considerably higher risk for digestive-tract bleeding, outweighing the benefit the medication provides in reducing the risk of CVD in healthy adults.
Adults without CVD or increased risk of heart disease who have bleeding disorders or gastric ulcers, take prescription blood thinners, or are at high risk for bleeding should not take a daily low-dose aspirin as a preventive measure against heart disease.
Who Can Benefit from a Daily Aspirin?
Daily low-dose aspirin can benefit patients who have previously suffered a heart attack or stroke. Low-dose aspirin may also be beneficial for the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients ages 40–70 and those with a history of tobacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Be sure to consult a physician prior to taking aspirin as a preventive treatment. University of Maryland Medical System is taking many safety precautions to keep our patients safe. You may also be able to consult your doctor via telemedicine.
Talk to Your Doctor
A recent study revealed that approximately 29 million Americans still use aspirin as a preventive medication for heart disease, and 6 million do so without a doctor’s approval.
Safe alternatives to promote heart health include adopting a balanced, healthy diet, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise and working with your physician to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a healthy range.
If you are in the select group that may benefit from daily aspirin use, ask your doctor if it is right for you. If you have already suffered a heart attack or are at increased risk for heart disease, your doctor may still advise you to take daily low-dose aspirin.
