“The people we recommend taking Aspirin are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and who are not at an increased risk of bleeding complications”, said Dr. Doug Owens, a member of the panel.
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A government task force says a daily low-dose aspirin could help certain people in their 50s and 60s prevent a first heart attack or stroke – and they might get some protection against colon cancer at the same time.
Researchers from the USPSTF reviewed the evidence relating to use of low-dose aspirin to prevent CVD and cancer.
The guidelines lay out that people who have at least a 10 percent risk of a heart attack or stroke over the next decade may be prescribed a daily dosage.
The task force announced that people in their 50s and 60s can take a daily low-dose of aspirin.
As well as, the US Preventive Providers Activity Pressure (USPSTF) say people aged 50-59 may scale back their danger for in the event that they take for 10 years or extra.
Though widely used as a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication, aspirin also acts as an antiplatelet drug, meaning it can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by preventing the formation of blood clots.
This precaution must be taken since prolonged use of aspirin could lead to serious bleeding, in the gastrointestinal tract or brain.
“Individuals aged 50-69 ought to speak with their physician about their danger of heart problems and danger of bleeding, and talk about whether or not taking aspirin is true for them”, provides USPSTF Vice Chair Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo. “Second, it recognizes that the decision to take aspirin is complex, requiring an appreciation of not only its benefits against colorectal cancer but also its role in cardiovascular disease prevention and its potential hazards”.
Concerns have been raised about whether aspirin is really effective enough, when so many other medicines are available to help control heart disease risk. The move follows a growing body of evidence that suggests that aspirin may be a potent yet overlooked weapon in the war against colorectal cancer.
The task force just posted the draft recommendation and is looking for public comment by October. 12.
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Nissen worries that many people are mistaking their actual heart disease risk. From 10 trials (n=103,787), the task force determined that the individuals who took aspirin saw a slightly reduced risk for mortality compared with those who did not (RR, 0.96 [95% CI]). Several studies in the past have showed the benefits of aspirin for heart attack survivors but which age group should try it before the first heart attack is not so clear yet.
