Aspirin update
New recommendations for aspirin use in relation to heart issues
The American Heart Association (AHA) states that heart disease consists of numerous problems, many of which are related to atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the walls of arteries. This causes arteries to narrow, impeding the flow of blood. If a blood clot occurs, it can block blood flow and starve the heart or brain of needed oxygen. If the blockage occurs in a heart vessel, it can cause a heart attack. If there is a blockage of a blood vessel that feeds the brain or if a blood vessel within the brain bursts, a stroke can result.
Aspirin thins the blood, which helps to prevent blood clots from forming. Aspirin use also puts some individuals at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding and other complications. Because of these potential risks, the long-standing use of low-dose aspirin as a heart disease preventive is now under scrutiny by some health care organizations.
An October 2021 draft recommendation currently under review by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (which functions independently of the U.S. government) cautions against “initiating low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults age 60 years or older” because the risk of bleeding cancels out the benefits of preventing heart disease. It also states, “The decision to initiate low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of CVD in adults ages 40 to 59 years who have a 10% or greater 10-year CVD risk should be an individual one. Evidence indicates that the net benefit of aspirin use in this group is small. Persons who are not at increased risk for bleeding and are willing to take low-dose aspirin daily are more likely to benefit.”
Aspirin use to prevent heart disease is not for everyone and requires carefully weighing risks and benefits before use.
If you have questions about your risk for heart disease and the use of aspirin as a preventive, or if you are already taking aspirin and have any questions, consult your health care provider about your individual circumstances.
