Health tips: Aspirin

 Mayo Clinic - Low-dose aspirin use is common among older adults, with about 25% of U.S. adults ages 50 to 80 taking it at least three times a week. This is largely due to earlier research suggesting it supports heart health and reduces the risk of certain cancers. Updated national guidelines now advise a more cautious approach. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping aspirin, and weigh the risks and benefits carefully.

 Benefits may outweigh risks if . . .You’re between ages 40 and 59 and you’re at high risk of having a first-time heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years. High risk means your risk is 10% or greater. Use the American College of Cardiology's calculator to estimate your risk. 

• You haven’t had a heart attack, but you’ve had coronary bypass surgery or a stent placed in a heart artery. Or you have chest pain (angina) or any other medical condition where aspirin is proved to prevent heart attack or stroke.
• You’re younger than 60 and you have diabetes and at least one other heart disease risk factor, such as smoking or high blood pressure.

Risks may outweigh benefits if . . .

• You are over age 60, don’t currently take aspirin, and don’t have a history or high risk of cardiovascular disease.
• You have a condition that causes you to bleed easily.
• You have an aspirin allergy or asthma worsened by aspirin.
• You have bleeding stomach ulcers or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding.