It’s a tough pill to swallow.
Aspirin is a popular drug for people of all ages – but a heart surgeon says not everyone should use the painkiller.
Dr. Jeremy London took to TikTok to share his expert intelligence on who should and shouldn’t be taking a daily dose of aspirin.
The drug has long been prescribed as a prophylactic measure against heart disease as it has been shown to prevent platelet clotting and blockage of arteries, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.
After decades of recommending that men over 50 and women over 60 take a low-dose aspirin to prevent these conditions, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association dropped this popular prescription in 2019.
The reason? Depending on the patient’s age and history, aspirin may do more harm than good.
A 2019 Harvard study found that over a five-year period, aspirin did not reduce heart attacks or related events compared to a placebo — but people who took aspirin were twice as likely to report gastrointestinal bleeding.
Further research found that long-term use of low-dose aspirin was associated with a 20% increase in the risk of developing anemia and a decrease in blood iron levels in the elderly.
However, the daily dose seems to be a hard habit to break.
Despite recent research, nearly one-third of adults 60 and older who do not have cardiovascular disease took aspirin in 2021, according to findings published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. However, the pill has its merits, especially for those with a history of cardiovascular problems.
Dr. London explains that there are two categories of patients who can safely take a daily aspirin.
“The first is individuals who have had a heart attack or stroke. This is easy as long as they don’t have any history of bleeding complications, they should clearly be taking 75 to 100 mg of aspirin a day.”
The second category of people for whom London recommends daily aspirin are those who have not had a heart attack or stroke but are aged 40 to 70. “If you fall into this category, you have an increased risk of cardiovascular events and should be considered for aspirin therapy.”
However, for those 70 and older, London explains that the risks of gastrointestinal distress and bleeding associated with aspirin outweigh the benefits of taking it to prevent cardiovascular events.
His recommendations echo those of American Heart Association volunteer expert Dr. Roger Blumenthal, who stated: “Taking aspirin [every day] it is no longer automatic for people who have never had a cardiac event. It’s only recommended for people whose health care providers think they’re at significant risk and high enough to merit continuing to take it.
While there are costs and benefits to consider with aspirin therapy, new research from Mass General Brigham found that taking two aspirins a week may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in adults who live a sedentary lifestyle. healthy.
Researchers say aspirin can help the immune system identify and target cancer cells, inhibit inflammation, a risk factor for colorectal cancer, and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
As Dr. Blumenthal and Dr. The Londens encourage anyone who is wary or curious about aspirin therapy to consult with a health care provider.
Pills or no pills, the best way to prevent vascular disease and heart failure is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing exercise and a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein and other whole foods.
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