It’s a tough pill to swallow.
Aspirin is a popular drug with people of all ages — but one heart surgeon says not everybody should be popping the pain reliever.
Dr. Jeremy London took to TikTok to share his expert intel on who should, and should not be, taking a daily dose of aspirin.
The drug has long been prescribed as a prophylactic measure against heart disease as it’s proven to prevent platelets from clotting together and blocking arteries, which can cause heart attacks and stroke.
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 scrapped that popular prescription in 2019.
The reason? Depending on a patient’s age and history, aspirin can do more harm than good.
A 2019 Harvard study found that over a five-year period, aspirin did not lower heart attacks or related events compared with a placebo — but the people who took the aspirin were twice as likely to report GI bleeding.
Further research found that long-term use of low-dose aspirin was associated with a 20% increased risk of developing anemia and a decline in blood iron levels in older adults.
However, the daily dose seems to be a hard habit to break.
Despite recent research, nearly a third of adults 60 and older who don’t have cardiovascular disease took aspirin in 2021, according to findings published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Still, the pill has its merits, particularly for those with a history of cardiovascular issues.
Dr.London explains that there are two categories of patients who can safely take a daily aspirin.
“The first is individuals that have had heart attack or stroke. This is easy as long as they don’t have any history of bleeding complications they should clearly be on 75 to 100 mg of aspirin a day.”
The second category of people that London prescribes daily aspirin for are those who have not had a heart attack or stroke but fall between the ages of 40 to 70 years old. “If you fall into this category, you have an increased risk of cardiovascular events, and you should be considered for aspirin therapy.”
However, for those 70 and older, London explains the risks of gastrointestinal distress and bleeding associated with aspirin outweigh the benefits of taking it to prevent cardiovascular events.
His recommendations echo that of American Heart Association volunteer expert Dr. Roger Blumenthal, who has stated: “Taking aspirin [every day] is no longer automatic for people who have never had a cardiac event. It’s only recommended for people who health care providers think have a significant, high enough risk 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 aspirin a week may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in adults living unhealthy lifestyles.
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.
Both Dr. Blumenthal and Dr. Londen encourage anyone cautious or curious about aspirin therapy to consult with their healthcare provider.
Pill or no pill, the best way to prevent vascular disease and heart failure is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing exercise and a diet high in vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and other whole foods.
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