Should You Be Taking Daily Low-Dose Aspirin? What You Need To Know

Should You Be Taking Daily Low-Dose Aspirin? What You Need to Know

You may have heard that taking a low-dose aspirin every day can help protect your heart. While many people, especially those aged 50 and older, have used it for heart health or to reduce cancer risk in the past, recent guidelines advise a more careful approach.

Important: Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping aspirin. Consulting with a healthcare provider helps you understand the potential benefits and risks based on individual health.

When Aspirin May Be Recommended (Benefits May Outweigh Risks):

• Individuals between 40 and 59 years old who are at a high risk of experiencing a first heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years may be recommended aspirin. High risk means a 10% or greater chance. The American College of Cardiology's risk calculator can be used to determine individual risk.

• Those who haven't had a heart attack, but have had a procedure like coronary bypass surgery or a stent placed in a heart artery.

• Individuals who experience chest pain (angina) or have another medical condition where aspirin is proven to prevent heart attack or stroke.

• Those younger than 60, who have diabetes, and at least one other heart disease risk factor, such as smoking or high blood pressure.

When Aspirin May Not Be Recommended (Risks May Outweigh Benefits):

• Individuals who are over age 60, do not currently take aspirin, and do not have a history or high risk of heart problems. The risk of bleeding from aspirin increases with age. For many older adults, the risks outweigh the benefits of starting aspirin for the first time.

• Individuals with a condition that makes them bleed easily.

• Those who are allergic to aspirin or have asthma that is made worse by aspirin.

• Those with bleeding stomach ulcers or have had gastrointestinal bleeding in the past.

Making an Informed Decision with a Doctor:

The decision to take daily low-dose aspirin should be made with a healthcare provider. A healthcare provider can discuss personal health history, risk factors, and determine if aspirin is a safe and effective option. Together, the best choice for heart health can be made.

Please note: This information is for general knowledge and does not replace the advice of a doctor. If there are any questions or concerns about aspirin therapy, schedule an appointment to discuss them.

Remember: Taking aspirin regularly is not the only way to protect heart health. Other important strategies include a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.