Daily use of low-dose aspirin is no longer recommended for the prevention of heart attacks in adults 60 and older, according to an independent panel of U.S. experts in primary care and prevention.
The new guidance, released April 26, also says low-dose aspirin is also not recommended for prevention of heart attack or stroke for people who have no history of cardiovascular disease or stroke, particularly for adults with higher risk for bleeding.
Adults ages 40 to 59 years with a 10 percent or greater 10-year cardiovascular disease risk should continue to take low-dose aspirin as directed by their physician.
"If you are already taking low-dose aspirin because you have had a heart attack, stroke or stenting or you have a history of AFib, continue to take it as directed by your physician. This new guidance about low-dose aspirin does not apply to your situation," Donald Lloyd-Jones, MD, president of the American Heart Association said in an April 25 news release from his organization. "Do not stop taking aspirin without first talking with your doctor."