Aspirin has been used as a pain reliever for more than 100 years.
Since the 1970s, it’s also been used to prevent and manage heart disease and stroke. But a big change may be coming.
A top U.S. panel of health experts has proposed recommendations that would aim to limit people’s use of daily aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is planning to revamp its 2016 recommendations on aspirin after reviewing newer studies.
They suggest people 40 to 59 years old who are at higher risk for heart disease or stroke and don’t have a history of either condition should talk to their doctor about whether they should start taking aspirin as preventive step.
People 60 and older shouldn’t start taking aspirin to prevent heart disease and stroke.
The risk of internal bleeding due to aspirin, which rises with age and can be life-threatening, cancels out the benefits of preventing heart problems in people 60 and older.
This video discusses whether people should aspirin to prevent heart disease. The benefits of taking a daily aspirin must be weighed against the risk of internal bleeding.
Disclaimer: Any information on diseases and treatments available at this video is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional with questions you may have regarding your medical condition.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about drug combo that could cut risk of stroke and heart attack by half, and healthy habit that could lower risks of stroke and heart rhythm problems.
Source: NutritionFacts.org (Shared via CC-BY)
