Revised Guidelines on Aspirin for Heart Health

In the past, some doctors and medical associations recommended daily low-dose aspirin for older adults as a means of protecting overall heart health. Now, a panel of medical experts say it’s unnecessary for those who have never experienced a heart attack or stroke and caution against taking low-dose aspirin on a routine basis.

As always, it’s best to consult with your doctor and follow their recommendations based on your specific situation and health history.

Aspirin is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that also has blood-thinning properties. When daily use of low-dose aspirin was recommended for older adults, the goal was to reduce clots that can lead to heart attack or stroke. With the use of any blood thinner, a balance must be found between the body’s important ability to clot to stop bleeding and heal wounds and the desire to prevent clots that could obstruct blood flow to the heart and brain. The danger of bleeding increases with age, so balancing the two health risks is an important part of recommendations, both past and current. 

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) is a panel of independent experts that issues recommendations and guidelines. The panel now says the risk of daily low-dose aspirin outweighs the benefits, even for those at high risk for heart disease. 

Previously, the USPSTF recommended those who were 60 and older to consult with their doctor about starting a daily regime of low-dose aspirin. Now, they are actively discouraging using aspirin for heart attack and stroke prevention for those over 60. Further, the guidelines now address those in their 40s and 50s. Because they are at lower risk of life-threatening bleeding, the new recommendation is that doctors should only propose daily aspirin for this age group if their high risk for heart attack or stroke is greater than potential bleeding risk.

It’s important to note that these guidelines are for those who have never had a heart attack or stroke. In those cases, the benefits to aspirin can still outweigh the risks of bleeding. 

As always, consulting with your doctor is important. They can account for your personal health history in determining benefits and risks of any treatment. If you are already on a regime of daily low-dose aspirin, consult with your doctor or medical professional before discontinuing use, as these recommendations may not apply to you. If you have questions about heart health or are looking for a physician to help manage your heart health, contact Oklahoma Heart Hospital today.