### Aspirin and Cardiovascular Events: What You Need to Know Many people believe that taking a low-dose aspirin daily can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. In fact, nearly 30 million Americans use aspirin to prevent their first cardiovascular event, and many more take it for secondary prevention after experiencing a heart attack or stroke. However, recent studies and guidelines have questioned the effectiveness of aspirin for primary prevention. In 2019, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommended that aspirin should be used infrequently for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease due to the lack of net benefit. This is because the risk of bleeding in the brain and digestive tract may outweigh the benefits of preventing heart disease and stroke. The United States Preventive Services Task Force also updated its guidelines in 2022, suggesting that aspirin has a small net benefit for adults aged 40-59 who have a high risk of cardiovascular events within 10 years. However, it recommended against aspirin use for adults 60 years or older due to the increased risk of bleeding. For older adults, the risk of brain bleeding and hemorrhagic strokes is significant, especially if they fall and hit their heads. Therefore, it's crucial to weigh the risks and benefits before starting aspirin for primary prevention. Experts suggest that people should first control their risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, through lifestyle changes and medications before considering aspirin. If you have no risk factors for cardiovascular disease, aspirin may not be necessary. For those over 70 who have been taking aspirin without issues, it might be safe to continue, but regular monitoring is essential. In summary, while aspirin can reduce the risk of nonfatal cardiovascular events, its use for primary prevention should be individualized based on a person's risk factors and age. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or stopping aspirin.