For years, it was considered that taking a daily, low-dose of aspirin, or baby aspirin as it is commonly known, should be used to help prevent a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular event. New research studies have challenged this assumption and are now cautioning healthy patients against the practice. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have now concluded that aspirin should be reserved for people with the highest cardiovascular risk and the lowest risk for bleeding. The newest guidelines also recommends against aspirin use for those over the age of 70, and patients with chronic kidney disease or thrombocytopenia.
According to the American Heart Association, “the new recommendation doesn’t apply to people who already have had a stroke or heart attack, or who have undergone bypass surgery or a procedure to insert a stent in their coronary arteries.” Patients who already have cardiovascular disease should continue to use low-dose aspirin as recommended by their provider. The best recommendation is still maintaining a healthy diet and exercise.
For more information on how you can protect your heart, contact our office and come talk to one of our providers. We’ll help you decide on which treatment will work best for you!
