Task force: Aspirin not recommended to prevent first MI or stroke

Individuals aged 60 and older should not start taking aspirin for heart disease and stroke prevention, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said in a draft recommendation issued today. Meanwhile those between 40 and 59 years old who have some risk for CVD but no history thereof should discuss the aspirin option with their doctor.

“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 John Wong, MD, in a prepared statement. “It’s important that people who are 40 to 59 years old and don’t have a history of heart disease have a conversation with their clinician to decide together if starting to take aspirin is right for them.”

In the statement, the task force noted that, when deciding whether patients should start taking aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke, clinicians should take into consideration age, heart disease risk and bleeding risk.

“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 Chien-Wen Tseng, MD, MPH, MSEE, in the same prepared statement “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.”