A body influencing health standards stated in a preliminary advise made update released Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) in the United States that seniors without heart disease should not take a low-dose aspirin every day to avoid a first heart attack or stroke. The risks of bleeding for people in their 60s and older who haven’t had a heart attack or stroke exceed the possible advantages of aspirin, according to the US Service Task Force’s draft guidelines.
For the first time, the panel suggested that there may be a minor benefit for 40-year-old adults who are not at risk of bleeding. The panel softened the advice for people over 50, stating that the evidence for the benefits was less apparent. The guidelines are meant for those who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, or other problems that put them at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Adults of any age should consult their doctor before discontinuing or starting aspirin to ensure it is the best option for them, according to task force member Dr. John Wong.
“Aspirin use can cause substantial injury, and the danger grows with age,” he explained. If finalized, the guidance for the elderly will revert to 2016 recommendations to help avoid a first heart attack and stroke, but it will comply with the most recent guidelines from other medical organizations. For many patients who have already experienced a heart attack or stroke, doctors have long prescribed low-dose daily aspirin. This is not changed by the working group’s management.
The task force originally stated that daily aspirin may protect against colorectal cancer in some adults in their 50s and 60s, but the amended advice states that further proof of any benefit is required. The handbook is available online for public discussion until November 8th. The group will evaluate this contribution before making a final decision. The independent committee of disease prevention experts examines medical research and the literature and gives periodic recommendations on how to keep Americans healthy.
Wong stated that the recommendation was changed due to newer studies and a reanalysis of old research. Aspirin is well recognized for its pain-relieving properties, but it is also a blood thinner that can lower the risk of blood clots. However, even at low doses, aspirin carries hazards, most notably bleeding in the digestive tract or ulcers, both of which can be fatal. According to Dr. Lauren Block, an internal researcher at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset, New York, the advice is critical because many adults use aspirin even though they have never had a heart attack or stroke.
Because of the possible harm, Dr. Block, who is not on the task force, recently moved one of his patients from aspirin to a cholesterol-lowering statin. Richard, 70, of Schrafel, has high blood pressure and is aware of his risk of a heart attack. Mr. Schrafel, president of a carton distribution company, said he had never seen any harmful effects from aspirin, but he was concerned about the latest research. Rita Seefeldt, 63, also has high blood pressure and used aspirin daily for about a decade before her doctor told her to stop two years ago.
Press, A. (2021, October 13). Health News: US Authorities Change Advice On Aspirin for Preventing Heart Attacks. US authorities change advice on aspirin for preventing heart attacks.
