Older adults shouldn’t take aspirin daily to prevent 1st heart attack, stroke: U.S. panel

The risk of side effects of taking daily aspirin, like internal bleeding, outweigh the benefits when it comes to preventing heart attacks in older adults, a U.S. panel says.

People over 60 shouldn’t take daily aspirin to prevent a first stroke or heart attack, according to a U.S. review panel.

According to draft recommendations issued by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force on Tuesday, the risks of taking daily aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid or ASA, outweigh the potential benefits in people over 60.

These risks include internal bleeding in the stomach, intestines and brain, according to the panel.

“Daily aspirin use may help prevent heart attacks and strokes in some people, but it can also cause potentially serious harms, such as internal bleeding,” said Task Force member Dr. John Wong, in a press release.

However, slightly younger adults aged 40 to 59 who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease should discuss with their physicians whether or not to take preventative aspirin, the panel said, as it may still have benefits for younger people.

Clinicians should consider age, cardiovascular disease risk and bleeding risk when determining whether or not to prescribe a patient aspirin, the panel said. It does not change the recommendations for people who have already had a heart attack or stroke who are taking aspirin on the advice of their doctor.

“The latest evidence is clear: starting a daily aspirin regimen in people who are 60 or older to prevent a first heart attack or stroke is not recommended,” said Task Force member Dr. Chien-Wen Tseng.

“However, this Task Force recommendation is not for people already taking aspirin for a previous heart attack or stroke; they should continue to do so unless told otherwise by their clinician.”