Estimates figure that about 60 percent of people ages 65 and older take an aspirin at least once a week, some on the recommendation of their doctor (to prevent heart disease) some now.

This common, over-the-counter medication can cause some serious side effects. Regular use should be discussed with a doctor.

Aspirin is routinely recommended by the American Heart Association for people who’ve had a heart attack, stroke caused by blood clot, unstable angina, or “ministrokes.” Further more the American Heart Association recommends that people who have yet to experience an event but who are at increased risk because of family history, say, may also stand to gain from aspirin therapy.

Here are some things you may not know about Aspirin.

1. Aspirin would have a hard time getting approved by the FDA if it were to come on the market today.

2. Aspirin may be less effective in women. Research published in BMC Medicine reported that earlier studies showing a large benefit in men taking aspirin to reduce the rates of fatal heart attack,  did not hold for women.

3. Aspirin use more or less doubles the risk of a severe gastrointestinal event putting users at risk for ulcers and bleeds with prolonged use.

4. Aspirin use may not protect against heart disease and stroke in nearly 30 percent of people who are resistant to Aspirin’s effects.

5. Aspirin can throw off test results for prostate cancer. Men who regularly used aspirin and other NSAIDs had about 10 percent lower levels of the prostate marker prostate-specific antigen which may hinder the detection of prostate cancer.

Some Positive Effects of Taking Aspirin

• Cuts the risk of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.
• Reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancers.
• Lowers a woman’s risk of breast cancer.
• Offers some protection against Alzheimer’s disease.
• Protects against Parkinson’s disease.
• Helps prevent strokes—unless you also take ibuprofen.

While Aspirin has many benefits, it may also have some negative side effects.  Whether or not use use Aspirin should be discussed with a doctor or your health care provider.

Sources:

Baldauf S. October 28, 2008. 12 Things to Know about Aspirin. US News.

Lowe D. November 17, 2005. Aspirin: Not Approvable: Why many familiar medicines might flunk FDA approval today. Medical Progress Today.

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