**Will Taking Aspirin Daily Help Prevent Heart Attacks?**
It depends. If you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke, or if you’re at high risk for one and have no significant risk of bleeding, your doctor might suggest taking aspirin daily. Aspirin has long been known for its benefits to people with heart and cardiovascular issues. It works by lowering the chances of blood clots that can block blood flow to your heart or brain. There’s even some evidence that it could help prevent certain cancers, like colon and rectal cancers.
For people with existing heart disease, aspirin often plays an important role in preventing additional heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular problems. This includes those who’ve had procedures like coronary artery bypass surgery, stenting, or have conditions like stable peripheral artery or carotid artery disease.
**Aspirin Isn’t for Everyone**
If you don’t have heart issues, taking aspirin daily might not be a good idea. Research suggests that for people without a history of cardiovascular disease, the risks often outweigh the benefits. For older adults, this can be particularly confusing since aspirin was once widely promoted as an easy, affordable way to prevent heart problems. In fact, millions of adults without heart disease have used aspirin regularly, many without even consulting their doctor.
A recent analysis of 67 studies found that while low-dose aspirin slightly lowers the risk of events like heart attacks or strokes by about 17%, it also raises the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding by 47% and bleeding in the brain by 34%. For those at low risk of heart attack or stroke, these potential harms can outweigh the benefits of daily aspirin use.
**New Guidelines on Aspirin Use**
Due to these risks, guidelines were updated in 2019. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association now recommend avoiding routine aspirin use for heart disease prevention in adults over 70 or for anyone with a high risk of bleeding. However, for adults between 40 and 70 who have a higher risk of heart disease but are not prone to bleeding, a low-dose aspirin could be considered in certain situations.
For people who’ve already experienced cardiovascular events, the benefits of long-term aspirin use often outweigh the risks. In these cases, aspirin significantly reduces the chances of another serious event, like a heart attack or stroke. That’s why it’s usually recommended for secondary prevention.
**Should You Take Aspirin?**
Deciding whether to take aspirin daily can be complicated, especially for people aged 40 to 70. The best approach? Talk to your doctor before starting or stopping aspirin therapy. If you’ve been taking aspirin for prevention but don’t have a history of heart disease, don’t abruptly stop using it. Instead, consult your doctor to figure out if it’s still necessary.
Ultimately, the decision about aspirin should be personalized. Your doctor will consider your specific health risks, goals, and preferences. Discussions usually include weighing the benefits for heart disease or colorectal cancer prevention against the increased chance of bleeding.
**Focus on a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle**
No matter your aspirin plans, adopting habits that support heart health is always beneficial. Lifestyle changes like eating a nutritious diet, staying active, managing your weight, and avoiding smoking can go a long way in keeping your heart strong.
If you’re unsure about your heart health risks, consider tools like a Heart Age Test. This can help you evaluate your lifestyle and genetic factors and guide conversations with your doctor about next steps.