• Aspirin may do more damage than good.medication image by Mats Tooming from Fotolia.com
  
  

May Lower Risk of Repeat Heart Attack or Stroke

• Aspirin acts as a blood thinner and prevents clots that lead to certain types of heart attacks and strokes. Doctors recommend a daily dose of aspirin to those who have already suffered a heart attack or clot related stroke. Research shows that only these people benefit from a daily aspirin dosage.
  
  

Aspirin is Not Without Risks

• According to research, not only does aspirin provide little or no benefit for those who have not suffered a heart attack or stroke already, but it actually causes damage. Those who take aspirin daily are two to four times more likely to develop upper gastrointestinal complications, such as ulcers and bleeding. Aspirin may also lead to hemorrhaging in the brain.
  
  

Bottom Line

• The American Heart Association recommends a daily low-dose of aspirin to those who have had a heart attack or stroke. For those who have not suffered heart attack or stroke, daily aspirin is not recommended. According to Dr. Steven E. Nissen, "The risks of daily aspirin therapy exceed the benefits in people who have not had a heart attack."