The most recent recommendation from the medical community regarding taking aspirin is that doctors should carefully consider risk factors before deciding whether to use aspirin to prevent heart attacks or strokes.
Your age, sex, smoking habits, and blood pressure may determine your risk of a heart even but the possibility that aspirin could cause gastrointestinal
(GI) bleeding also must be weighed.
The consensus is that for most people under the age of 80, the benefits of taking aspirin outweigh the risks.
Men age 45-79 are encouraged to use aspirin to reduce possible heart attacks.
Women age 55 to 79 are also encouraged to use aspiring.
These recommendations are for people who haven't had a previous heart attack or stroke.
On the other hand, your risk of bleeding is higher if you have upper GI problems or GI ulcers. Taking any kind of blood thinner also makes you off limits for aspirin.
Bottom line, if you take aspirin to help prevent a stroke or heart attack, have your doctor monitor your blood count to screen for a slow GI bleed.
Source: US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
To your successful lifestyle.
Ruthan Brodsky
P.S. Taking aspirin is a good reminder that whenever we take a medicatiion there is always a side effect - good or bad. Be aware.
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