The discussion around whether individuals aged 60 and above should take
aspirin
keeps evolving as healthcare professionals gain more insights into the possible advantages and disadvantages of prolonged usage.

Aspirin is a readily available drug used for numerous purposes, with particular effectiveness in
heart attack
In addition to managing pain, doctors might recommend aspirin for elderly patients who have an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes, as stated.
Harvard Health
.

Dr. Michael J. Blaha
, director of clinical research for the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, is breaking down how aspirin can help with those conditions and how blood-thinning may be a benefit or a danger to your particular health condition.

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Does aspirin act as an anticoagulant?

Certainly, aspirin acts as a blood thinner. This can be advantageous for individuals with a heightened risk of heart attack or stroke.

A heart attack happens when plaque accumulates inside your arteries, potentially reducing blood circulation throughout your body and leading to tiny blood clots. This blockage or disruption of blood supply to the heart triggers a heart attack, whereas an obstruction or interruption in blood flow to the brain brings about a stroke.

This is where aspirin can be useful: It helps thin the blood, making clot formation less probable.

Taking aspirin may lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as decrease certain types of clots such as those found in leg veins,” says Blaha. “At low dosages, aspirin hinders platelet function, thus reducing blood clot formation.

Reducing blood thickness consequently decreases the likelihood of clot formation, which is certainly beneficial for individuals with a greater chance of developing heart problems. However, this does not qualify aspirin as an ideal choice for everybody.

Regarding cardiovascular ailments, we typically opt for anticoagulation therapy since numerous heart conditions arise from clot formation,” explains Blaha. “Nevertheless, this approach unavoidably comes with a heightened chance of hemorrhage.

Be careful:

Why you might want to think again about consuming aspirin every day

Who shouldn’t be taking aspirin?

Approximately one out of every three Americans aged 60 and above—about 19 million individuals—are taking aspirin daily, as reported in 2021.
study
In the Annals of Internal Medicine, over three million Americans disclosed that they started taking aspirin without seeking medical advice initially.

But the
American Heart Association
cautions against starting a daily low-dose aspirin regimen before consulting with your physician.

Blaha points out that previously, many individuals with low-risk profiles were consuming aspirin, often without seeking advice from healthcare providers. He further emphasizes that people “who have a low to moderate risk of developing cardiovascular issues, show no signs of underlying diseases upon examination, and haven’t experienced previous heart attacks or strokes” should refrain from using aspirin as well.

Due to its higher chance of causing bleeding, individuals with a past history of bleeding issues or gastrointestinal problems shouldn’t use aspirin, notes Blaha. The drug “impairs the stomach’s protective barrier against gastric acids, leaving both the stomach and bowels susceptible to ulcers that may lead to bleeding,” as stated by Harvard Health.

Blaha also notes that you should consult with your physician prior to stopping aspirin usage if you have a past history of heart attacks or strokes.

The article initially appeared on USA TODAY.
Aspirin is a blood thinner. Depending on your health condition, that can be good or bad.