Should You Be Taking Daily Low-Dose Aspirin Therapy?
Some people might reach for a bottle of aspirin to ease pain. But the over-the-counter medication offers more than simply inflammation relief. It may provide heart benefits, too. Indeed, low-dose aspirin therapy can play a role in reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke — but it’s not right for everyone.
Here's what you need to know about a daily aspirin regimen, including potential risks and who should consider it.
Low-dose aspirin therapy is a small amount of aspirin taken each day to reduce the likelihood of a cardiac event. The dose is smaller than what you'd take for pain, potentially making it safer for long-term use.
“The typical dosage for low-dose aspirin therapy is 81 milligram (mg) per day, commonly referred to as baby aspirin,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, an ABIM quadruple-board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine, and the chief medical adviser for Fortune Recommends Health. “This dosage is significantly lower than that taken for headaches or everyday pain, which is usually between 325 mg and 650 mg.”
This therapy is typically recommended for those at high risk for a heart attack or stroke, such as individuals with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes.
Keep in mind that while aspirin can have some cardiovascular benefits, it has other potential uses, too, including:
Eases body aches, including headache and toothache
Reduces inflammation linked to conditions such as arthritis
Prevents certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer
Reduces the likelihood of pregnancy complications like preeclampsia
Low-dose aspirin therapy is effective because it thins the blood, allowing it to flow more easily, thus reducing clotting.
Although clots are a natural part of the healing process and help stop bleeding after an injury, they can sometimes form in dangerous places like arteries or veins. Clots in the heart and brain can cause a heart attack and stroke, respectively.
After an injury, platelets — tiny cells in the blood — gather at a site to control bleeding.
Dr. Dasgupta says low-dose aspirin helps prevent blood clots by stopping a chemical (cyclooxygenase) that causes blood cells to clump together. This makes your blood less likely to form clots, which can lower the risk of heart attacks or stroke.
Although low-dose aspirin therapy can improve heart health in some people, there are potential risks.
One potential side effect is stomach ulcers, which can develop when aspirin disrupts the production of mucus that protects the stomach lining from acid.
Because aspirin thins the blood, there’s also the risk of increased bleeding after an injury and surgery. To prevent this, you might need to stop aspirin therapy about 7 to 10 days before undergoing a procedure.
Other risks associated with low-dose aspirin therapy include:
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Kidney damage
Risk of bleeding in the brain
Allergic reactions
It’s important to tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking (including prescription blood thinners) to avoid adverse interactions. There’s an increased risk of bleeding when you combine aspirin with a blood thinner.
Low-dose aspirin therapy may be recommended as a primary preventive measure for certain individuals with a high risk of heart attack or stroke. Specific guidelines can vary by organization, but this therapy may be recommended for people ages 40 to 69 who are at risk for a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years; those who’ve had bypass surgery or a stent; those who’ve had a previous cardiovascular event; and those under 60 who have diabetes with at least one other risk factor, like high blood pressure.
On the other hand, if you’re over 70, drink alcohol regularly, or have other health issues, your doctor might not suggest aspirin therapy. The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers is higher in older adults, and alcohol can further irritate the stomach, thus increasing the risk of bleeding.
Also, avoid low-dose aspirin therapy if you’re allergic to aspirin or have a history of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Low-dose aspirin therapy can be an effective preventive measure for people with a history of cardiovascular issues, because it helps reduce blood clots.
This therapy isn’t suitable for everyone, and side effects like stomach ulcers, bleeding, and adverse drug interactions can happen.
Talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment, including low-dose daily aspirin.
