The guidelines have changed.
Many seniors are regularly consuming low-dose aspirin in the hope of preventing heart attacks and strokes, despite updated guidelines often advising against it.
According to the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Health Aging, about one in four older adults take aspirin at least three times a week. However, researchers caution that many seniors may not actually require this regimen.
The poll revealed that nearly three in five individuals aged 50 to 80 who regularly take aspirin do not have a history of heart disease. Experts emphasize the importance of consulting a doctor before initiating or discontinuing aspirin use, as current guidelines primarily recommend daily aspirin for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those who have experienced a stroke or heart attack.
Dr. Jordan Schaefer, a hematologist at the University of Michigan School of Medicine, highlights the evolving understanding of aspirin’s preventive benefits, emphasizing that it is no longer considered a universal solution for older adults.
Recent guidelines have shifted due to aspirin’s potential to increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. The focus is now primarily on individuals with existing heart health issues or those at high risk due to personal or family medical history.
While the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises against initiating aspirin for heart disease prevention in adults aged 60 or older, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) suggest that daily low-dose aspirin may be appropriate for select adults aged 40 to 70 who are at increased risk of heart problems but not bleeding.
Despite these guidelines, the poll found that 42% of adults aged 75 to 80 are taking aspirin, with approximately 31% of adults aged 50 to 80 unaware of the associated bleeding risk. Additionally, a significant portion of aspirin users started taking the medication based on outdated advice.
Dr. Geoffrey Barnes, a Michigan Medicine cardiologist, underscores the importance of individualized risk assessment based on factors such as age, family history, health issues, medications, and lifestyle habits. He emphasizes that preventive aspirin use should be tailored to each individual’s specific circumstances.
The poll, which surveyed 2,657 adults aged 50 to 80, highlights the need for informed discussions between healthcare providers and patients regarding the appropriate use of aspirin for cardiovascular health. Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, the poll director, stresses the importance of updated knowledge in guiding aspirin usage to ensure its benefits outweigh potential risks.
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