People over 60 without a history of cardiovascular disease should not take aspirin for prevention.
- The benefits of aspirin are not enough to outweigh the increased risk of bleeding, especially in the brain or intestines.
- For people aged 40 to 59, the experts want to be less categorical and leave the decision to the patients with their doctor.
Thirty years ago, scientific research highlighted the benefits of aspirin taken preventively against heart risks. It was then advised for patients at risk to take it to protect themselves from such diseases. But since then, several studies have undermined this doctrine. This Tuesday, a panel of American experts assured that the daily intake of aspirin in people over 60 to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke (CVA) should no longer be recommended because its harmful effects would outweigh its benefits.
Insufficient benefits in the face of risks
In 2016, experts from the US Preventive Services Task Force in the United States advised people in their 50s who have an assessed risk of 10% of heart attack or stroke to take aspirin to protect themselves. A recommendation which could also extend to sexagenarians at risk on the basis of an individual decision. These are based on the anticoagulant action of aspirin which thins the blood and prevents the formation of clots, which would reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. As a reminder, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
On Tuesday, experts backtracked and found that these benefits were not sufficient in older people to offset the increased risk of bleeding, especially in the brain or intestines. “Using aspirin daily can help prevent heart attacks and strokes in some people, but it can also cause serious adverse effects, such as internal bleeding”, specified in a statement Dr. John Wong, member of the Task Force. For people aged 40 to 59, the members of the Task Force want to be less categorical and leave the decision to the patients”with their doctor to decide together if starting aspirin is right for them”, adds the press release.
A public debate until mid-November
Although the recommendations of the Task Force experts are generally followed, they are not binding. A period of public debate will be conducted until early November before potential official recommendations are announced.
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