Aspirin as a Blood Thinner: Benefits and Risks for Older Adults
The main role of aspirin is a blood thinner; this may prove useful for high-risk individuals likely to experience a heart attack or stroke. When the plaque formation in arteries starts to reduce the blood flow rate, clots are formed that cause these events. A blockage in one of the vessels that carries the blood supply to the heart may cause a heart attack, whereas an obstruction that cuts off blood supply to the brain leads to a stroke.
However, while thinning the blood has clear advantages for individuals with cardiovascular risks, it is not necessarily safe for everyone. Aspirin use must be carefully considered based on individual health conditions.
Aspirin may be a lifesaving intervention in individuals with a history of heart attack, stroke, or other major cardiovascular conditions. It reduces the likelihood of recurrent heart attacks and strokes because it suppresses clotting. Many doctors include aspirin as one aspect of standard therapy for patients with established cardiovascular disease:.
In the past, aspirin was widely prescribed as a preventive measure for older adults who had no history of heart disease but were considered at risk. However, newer research suggests that the risks of daily aspirin use may outweigh the benefits for some individuals. The American Heart Association now advises that people should consult a doctor before taking daily aspirin, particularly if they have never had a heart attack or stroke.
Aspirin’s ability to thin blood prevents dangerous clots, but it also risks causing bleeding. Internal bleeding can occur in the stomach and intestines because aspirin weakens the stomach lining, making ulcers more likely. People who have a history of gastrointestinal disorders, bleeding conditions, or ulcers should not take aspirin unless a doctor has specifically prescribed it.
A study in 2021 published in Annals of Internal Medicine indicates that nearly 19 million Americans over 60 are on daily aspirin, and more than three million have done so without consulting a healthcare provider. This poses concern because inappropriate use of aspirin can lead to serious side effects such as excessive bleeding and gastrointestinal complications.
Low- to moderate-cardiovascular risk patients should not take aspirin without medical evaluation, Dr. Blaha insists. Patients with no evident symptoms of cardiovascular disease or history of heart attacks and strokes will derive little benefit while risking the risk of bleeding, he adds.
After a discussion with a healthcare provider, the decision to use aspirin should be made. Individuals who have been prescribed aspirin as a follow-up to earlier cardiovascular events should not interrupt their aspirin therapy because any eventual heart attack or stroke will be worse than without aspirin therapy. People considering aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular events should discuss possible risks and benefits with their doctors.
Aspirin continues to be an effective medication and can literally mean the difference between life and death, but aspirin is not for everyone. The more recent research will often advise against just taking aspirin and emphasizes getting individualized medical advice. If you are contemplating taking a daily aspirin, talk to your doctor about it.
