Can Aspirin Prevent A First Heart Attack or Stroke?
In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended the following: • The use of aspirin for men age 45 to 79 years when the potential benefit due to a reduction in heart attacks outweighs the potential harm due to an increase in gastrointestinal bleeding. • The use of aspirin for women age 55 to 79 years when the potential benefit of a reduction in ischemic strokes outweighs the potential harm of an increase in gastrointestinal bleeding. The task force does not recommend the use of aspirin to prevent strokes in women younger than 55 years or to prevent heart attacks in men younger than 45. The task force said there is not enough evidence to assess the benefits and risks of using aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease in men and women 80 years or older. How Much Should You Take? There is controversy over how much aspirin you should take to reduce the chance of a heart attack or stroke. Most doctors advise “low dose” aspirin for people who are at low to moderate risk
