An influential group of health experts advised that older adults with no heart disease should not take low-dose aspirin daily to prevent a stroke or heart attack.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force stated in draft guidance that aspirin can cause bleeding in adults over 60 who have not had a stroke or heart attack.
The panel suggested that there might be some benefit for people in their 40s with no bleeding risk. The panel reaffirmed its recommendation for those over 50, but said that evidence of benefits is less certain.
These recommendations are for people who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or any other condition that could increase their risk of a stroke or heart attack. No matter what age, all adults should speak with their doctors to discuss whether they should stop or start aspirin. Dr. John Wong is a Tufts Medical Center primary-care expert.
He said that aspirin can cause serious health problems and the risk of developing heart disease with age is increased.
The finalized advice for older adults will reverse the 2016 recommendations for helping to prevent a stroke and heart attack. However, it would still be in line with other medical groups’ more recent guidelines.
The task force had previously suggested that people in their 50s or 60s might want to take a daily aspirin to avoid a stroke or heart attack, and to protect against colorectal cancer. New guidance states that more evidence is required to show any colorectal cancer benefit.
Many patients suffering from a stroke or heart attack have been prescribed aspirin by doctors. This advice is not changed by the task force guidance.
This guidance was made available online for public comment until Nov. 8. After receiving all comments, the group will make a final determination.
An independent panel of experts in disease prevention analyzes medical literature and medical research, and provides periodic advice to Americans on ways to keep their health. Wong stated that the new advice was based on updated research and a review of older research.
Although aspirin is most well-known for its pain relief properties, it can also be used to reduce the risk of blood clots. Aspirin can also cause bleeding problems, especially in low doses.
Dr. Lauren Block is an internist-researcher at Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York. She said that the guidance was important because many adults use aspirin even if they have never suffered a stroke or heart attack.
Block, who isn’t on the task force was recently able to switch one of her patients from taking aspirin to cholesterol-lowering statin drugs because of potential dangers.