Will an aspirin a day keep doctors away?

Prevention always tops experiencing painful, dangerous and life-threatening health experiences. Can a little white aspirin really prevent a host of heart issues that plague aging people? Unfortunately, the consensus is no. However, the situation is complicated. Whether someone will experience heart issues or not as they age depends on a variety of factors. So, while it may not be effective for everyone, an aspirin a day can keep the doctor away if someone meets certain criteria.  

According to an article on the Mayo Clinic website, aspirin helps people who have already suffered a heart attack, stroke or some other kinds of cardiovascular disease prevent another episode. One study on the National Library of Science website found that the benefits of taking a daily aspirin exceed the dangers for people up to 80 years old who have an 80% or more chance of suffering a heart related issue within five years. For those older than 80 or who do not have that same risk, taking an aspirin every day won’t provide any added benefits.  

In fact, taking aspirin every day when you don’t need it can have detrimental side effects. The Mayo Clinic reports that side effects of taking aspirin can include gastrointestinal bleeding, a stroke caused by a burst blood vessel and allergic reactions. If a person takes other medications for additional medical conditions, the aspirin could react poorly with those prescriptions.  

So, is a daily dose of aspirin right for you? Consult with a medical professional before making a final decision. Those little white pills may come in handy in a medical emergency, but when used inappropriately, they can cause more harm than good.