A recent study from Johns Hopkins University reveals that many older Americans continue to take a daily baby aspirin to prevent heart problems, despite updated guidelines advising against it.
The research highlights a significant trend among adults aged 70 and above, many of whom use low-dose aspirin even without a history of heart disease.
Aspirin is a well-known medication that has been widely used to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Previously, medical guidelines recommended low-dose aspirin for individuals at high risk of developing heart disease. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the risks associated with aspirin use, especially among older adults.
Researchers analyzed data from over 7,100 U.S. adults aged 60 and above who participated in a federal health survey. The focus was on aspirin use among individuals aged 70 and older, examining its prevalence among those with and without diabetes.
The study found that approximately 50% to 62% of adults aged 70 and above were using low-dose aspirin as a preventive measure against heart disease or stroke.
Surprisingly, aspirin use was common even among those without a history of heart disease, a group for whom the drug may do more harm than good. The researchers estimated that nearly 10 million Americans in this category are using aspirin.
Current guidelines generally discourage routine aspirin use for individuals aged 70 and above to prevent a first-time heart attack or stroke.
Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or brain, particularly in older adults. Some recent studies have also questioned the efficacy of low-dose aspirin in reducing the risk of first-time heart attacks or strokes.
Aspirin can benefit individuals with known cardiovascular disease, such as those with clogged heart arteries or a history of heart attack or stroke. However, its role in preventing first-time heart problems is less clear.
Previous guidelines recommended low-dose aspirin for those at high risk of developing heart disease due to factors like smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Recent research has prompted a change in this thinking.
The latest guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association suggest that aspirin can be considered for select patients aged 40 to 70 who are not at an increased risk of bleeding.
For older adults, the guidelines advise against routine aspirin use for primary prevention. Instead, the focus has shifted to statins, medications that lower LDL cholesterol, as a more effective strategy for preventing primary heart disease.
Many older adults who currently use aspirin started taking it years ago. The research team encourages these patients to discuss with their doctors whether continuing aspirin use is necessary and beneficial for their specific situation.
The use of daily baby aspirin for preventing heart problems in older Americans is a topic of ongoing research and discussion.
While aspirin may benefit certain individuals with established cardiovascular disease, the risks and benefits of long-term aspirin use for primary prevention need careful consideration. It is crucial for older adults to consult with their doctors to determine the best course of action for their heart health.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top 10 foods for a healthy heart, and how to eat right for heart rhythm disorders.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to eat your way to cleaner arteries, and salt and heart health: does less really mean more?
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