A United States government task force has stated that a low dose of aspirin could lower risks of heart attack and stroke among adults aged 50 to 69. However, its guidelines only recommended the over-the-counter (OTC) mild drug for people who meet a long list of strict requirements, including a low risk of side effects.
The task force's recommendation was strongest for people in their 50s. It would benefit adults in their 60s less, and must thus be prescribed on a case-by-case basis.
Candidates for the aspirin treatment must have a 10 percent risk of stroke or heart attack during the next decade. They should also have a life expectancy of 10 or more years.
Long-term aspirin use can result in bleeding in the stomach, intestines, or brain. Thus, the candidates must also not have health conditions that could trigger blood loss.
Aspirin therapy is not new. It is recommended for survivors of heart attacks although it might also be useful for "primary prevention" to thwart an initial heart attack or stroke, according to The Boston Globe.
Past studies have also suggested that the OTC pain reliever could lower risks of colon cancer. However, a major health group has never recommended it strictly for that function.
Aspirin therapy is primarily for patients' heart health. However, possible colon cancer prevention is also a plus, and patients should be aware of all benefits and drawbacks.
The task force explained that there is no solid evidence that aspirin therapy could benefit people under 50 years old, or over 69. However, it has shrunk the age range since its last aspirin therapy guidelines.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded in 2014 that a daily aspirin could help to prevent stroke and heart attack, according to The Market Business. That is among high-risk patients.
Baylor has manufactured and sold pure aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) since 1899. The company secured a U.S. patent and trademark for the pain reliever one year later.
This video explains how painkillers work: