For decades, millions of older people have been told by their doctors to take an aspirin daily to prevent heart attack.
The Heart Foundation in Australia advises you talk to your doctor/specialist before taking aspirin, but for many it is still a daily ritual.
Now the US Preventive Services Task Force is revisiting its guidance on using aspirin for heart health.
It has released a new draft of regulations for public comment that recommends adults, aged 40 to 59 years, should consult health professionals before taking aspirin for the prevention of heart disease, whereas adults 60 years of age and older should stop taking aspirin or never start taking aspirin.
What’s wrong with a daily aspirin?
“Daily aspirin use may help prevent heart attacks and strokes in some people, but it can also cause potentially serious harms, such as internal bleeding,” said task force member John Wong, MD.
“It’s important that people who are 40 to 59 years of age and don’t have a history of heart disease have a conversation with their clinician to decide together if starting to take aspirin is right for them.”
“The latest evidence is clear: starting a daily aspirin regimen in people who are 60 and older to prevent a first heart attack or stroke is not recommended,” said task force member Chien-Wen Tseng, MD, MPH, MSEE.
“However, this task force recommendation is not for people already taking aspirin for a previous heart attack or stroke. They should continue to do so unless told otherwise by their clinician.”
Is the advice right?
It should be noted that the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have not recommended the consumption of aspirin to ward off heart disease since about 2019.
The message? Always check with your GP before changing your regular medication.
