Aspirin: The Health Effects of Low Doses Revealed!

In the past, doctors advised their elderly patients to take low daily doses of aspirin to “fluidify blood”. This was supposed to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. But at the same time, this habit was dangerous for people at risk of hemorrhagic. This is why today, the recommendations for the use of aspirin have changed. A survey of the American population shows that the message has unfortunately not passed.

“” The most important way to prevent atherosclerious vascular diseases, heart failure and atrial fibrillation is to promote a healthy lifestyle throughout life “Recalls a report of theAmerican College of Cardiology. However, for years, doctors have advised healthy elderly people to take low -dose aspirin daily to reduce the risk of heart attack.

Acetylsalicylic acid, more commonly known as aspirin, is one of the most consumed drugs in the world. This molecule has several properties: both analgesic, antipyretic and even anti-inflammatory in high doses. It is also an anti -AGRIBER PLACETTETTH. In other words, it fluidifies blood. It therefore prevents the formation of clots which can lead to a heart attack or a stroke (stroke). This anticoagulant effect even occurs in very low doses and persists for several days.

A dangerous practice for some people

The daily takeover of low -dose aspirin (between 75 and 300 mg per day) is still a good strategy today to prevent heart attacks, but only in people with cardiovascular disease. And provided that these do not present any increased risk of bleeding! Because aspirin can cause bleeding from the nose or gums, as well as hemorrhages of the imperceptible digestive tract. A hemorrhagic risk exists in the event of surgical gesture, even a minor (such as the extraction of a tooth).

In March 2019, theAmerican College of Cardiology and theAmerican Heart Association (AHA) have published new directives on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The two organizations no longer systematically recommend a daily dose of aspirin for healthy adults over the age of 70, as the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding prevails over the advantages.

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In 2022, theUS PREVENTATIVE SERVICES TASK Force (the American prevention services group) extended these recommendations to an even wider group. He advises against low -dose aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in people 60 and over who have no history or symptoms.

In summary, taking aspirin can be an effective preventive approach, but is not without risk. The balance ischemic risk/hemorrhagic risk should be evaluated on a case -by -case basis. “” The prescription of an antiplatelet treatment should be individualized on the basis of risk factors (at best evaluated by a risk scale) and clinical characteristics (hemorrhagic risk, etc.) of patients “, Specifies the High Authority for Health.

“” Knowing whether the daily taking of a low dose of aspirin is recommended or not in your case is vital information for your health “Confirm Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of Annenberg Public Policy Center (Appc).

Almost half of adults overestimate the benefits of daily aspirin

Unfortunately, it appears that many people are not really aware of the risks. Indeed, according to a recent Survey on the Health of the APPC, almost half (48%) of some 1,800 American adults questioned wrongly think that the benefits of the daily taking of a low dose of aspirin (to reduce The risks of heart attack or stroke) prevail over the risks.

In this survey, 45% of respondents said that they themselves or a loved one had undergone a heart attack or a stroke. There were 49% of them having no personal or family history, while the remaining 6% were not sure. Among those with no history, 43% still thought that aspirin benefits prevailed over the risks.

However, the responses varied according to age. Young participants seemed more aware of the risks. “” PBeing because the more elderly are more familiar with previous recommendations Suggests those responsible for the investigation. Thus, 29% of respondents without relevant medical history, aged 18 to 39, said – rightly – that the risks of daily takeover of low -dose aspirin prevail over profits. Only 11% of 40-59 year olds and 7% of 60 years and over thought of the same.

Many elderly people wrongly think that the benefits of the daily takeover of low -dose aspirin prevail over the risks. Credits: Annenberg Public Policy Center

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Everyone's beliefs explain the results of the survey concerning the consumption of low -dose aspirin. It turns out that 22% of respondents said they took it at least once a month. This practice is therefore relatively common, including in people with no personal or family history. In fact, 18% of them regularly take aspirin, 10% of which are “almost every day”. They are 2% to take it “several times a week” and 6% “several times a month”.

Many people regularly take aspirin when they have no history of heart disease. Credits: Annenberg Public Policy Center

Unsurprisingly, the 60th and over were the most numerous to have adopted this (bad) practice. Even without any history, there were 22% of them take small doses of aspirin almost every day!

Well anchored habits, but not always beneficial

“” It is difficult to get rid of habits based on conventional wisdom and the past advice of health care providers », Underlines Kathleen Hall Jamieson.

In 2022, the USPSTF had concluded, with moderate certainty, that the use of aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular events in adults aged 40 to 59, whose risk of cardiovascular disease at 10 years is higher or equal to 10%, has low net profit. The group had also concluded that initiating this “treatment” among the 60th or more of a net profit.

A study published in 2023 has shown that the daily taking of low -dose aspirin does not offer significant protection against ischemic strokes. On the other hand, it can lead to “a significant increase in intracranial bleeding” after a cranial trauma. This study involved 19,000 elderly healthy volunteers, followed for about five years. They took 100 mg of aspirin daily or a placebo. The researchers observed that bleeding was 38% more frequent in participants who took aspirin daily. And this, whatever their sex, age or cardiovascular risk.

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A related study also indicated that low -dose aspirin increases the risk of anemia in elderly in good health, independently of major hemorrhages by around 20%.

Finally, the benefits of the daily taking of aspirin in primary prevention are always subject to debate. They are undoubtedly based on a case -by -case basis. On the other hand, aspirin is still recommended “in secondary prevention” of heart problems. This means that it can be recommended for people who have already undergone a heart attack or a stroke. Its anticoagulant effect can really help prevent future cardiovascular events.

In conclusion, in all cases, a medical consultation is essential before starting such treatment.