For quite some time now, older adults with certain health conditions have been told to take a daily dose of baby aspirin in order to ward off heart disease. A panel of independent experts at the US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against this treatment, finding that daily use of baby aspirin generally presents greater risks than benefits for people over 60.
People at high risk of a heart attack or stroke are generally better off not starting a daily regimen of baby or low-dose aspirin (81-100 milligrams), according to the recommendations of the US Preventive Services Task Force “USPSTF.” Apparently, the side effects of daily low-dose aspirin intake are more grave than originally understood. Internal bleeding is more likely than heart attack prevention. Moreover, aspirin use has never reduced the risk of death from heart disease.
The expert panel also does not recommend taking baby aspirin daily for the prevention of colorectal cancer any longer. One recent study found that taking aspirin nearly doubled the number of colorectal cancer deaths after five years. But, aspirin has been found to reduce the risk of polyp growth in the colon as well as the risk that polyps will become cancerous.
The panel believes that, for people over 60, daily intake of low-dose aspirin can lead to a higher risk of internal bleeding that can be life-threatening. Aspirin reduces the formation of blood clots, which can block arteries.
Aspirin increases the likelihood of bleeding in the brain and digestive tract, especially for older people. For this reason, the panel discourages older adults from starting a daily aspirin regimen.
The recommendations do not apply to people already taking daily aspirin or to people who have had a heart attack. The panel recommends that these people should speak to their doctor regarding the best course of action.
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