19 Million American Seniors Take Aspirin Daily

New York – Nearly one in three Americans over the age of 60, or approximately 19 million people, take aspirin daily, according to a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, as cited by U.S. media.

A Harvard Health report states that aspirin, a widely available over-the-counter medication, is used for multiple purposes. While it is commonly taken for pain relief, doctors may also prescribe it to individuals at risk of heart attacks or strokes. These serious health conditions occur when plaque builds up in arteries, slowing blood flow and potentially leading to small blood clots.

Michael J. Blaha, Director of Clinical Research at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, noted that aspirin can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as other blood clot-related conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs.

Low-dose aspirin can also act as an anti-platelet agent, preventing blood cells from clumping together and reducing the formation of clots.

While blood-thinning properties can benefit individuals at high cardiovascular risk, Blaha cautioned that aspirin is not suitable for everyone. He explained that while anticoagulation strategies are commonly used for cardiovascular disease prevention, they may also increase the risk of excessive bleeding, which must be carefully considered in patient treatment plans.

Source:
Xinhua Thai