In a computerized search and composite study, researchers have shown strong and significant evidence of reductions in cardiovascular events in both men and women who take low-dose aspirin on a regular basis. Many people have been taking aspirin for years to reduce heart disease risk, or after a heart attack or stroke to reduce the risk of a second event. Researchers, however, have not always agreed on the wisdom of using aspirin as a prevention tool for a first cardiovascular event.
This study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, combined data from five previous studies and included more than 55,000 total participants.
The Results
Researchers found that regular aspirin use resulted in:
- A 32-percent reduction in the risk of a first MI (heart attack)
- A 15-percent reduction in all major cardiac events
- For those at risk, the long-term use of low-dose aspirin benefits outweigh any risks for most people
Recommendations
For most people with a 10-year risk of 10 percent or more for a first heart attack, daily aspirin is a recommended preventive treatment. This approach is also endorsed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Heart Association.
Ask your doctor if low-dose aspirin might be beneficial for you. Prevention is always preferable to treatment. |
