A new study found that a significant number of older Americans continue to use small doses of aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease despite two major heart associations having reversed their guidance on the practice. For decades, a daily dose of 81 milligrams of aspirin was recommended by heart associations and physicians to reduce the chance of developing a heart attack, stroke, or another cardiovascular problem. Older adults without heart disease shouldn’t take daily low-dose aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke, the group said at the time.
Bleeding risks for adults in their 60s and up who haven’t had a heart attack or stroke outweigh any potential benefits from aspirin, it said. At the time, the panel said that there may be a small benefit for adults in their 40s who have no bleeding risks. For those in their 50s, the panel softened advice and said evidence of benefit is less clear.
“While some older adults, especially those with a history of cardiovascular disease, benefit from regularly taking aspirin, other older adults may not and could even be harmed by regular use,” the survey said, noting that people with a history of cardiovascular disease are “generally recommended” to take aspirin on a regular basis. Regardless of age, adults should talk with their doctors about stopping or starting aspirin to make sure it’s the right choice for them, said U.S.
Preventive Services Task Force member Dr. John Wong, a primary-care expert at Tufts Medic.
