It’s an Apple a Day, Not an Aspirin
For years, the gospel was simple: an aspirin a day keeps the heart attack away. But like a lot of old medical wisdom, that advice hasn’t aged well. (Unlike you, dear reader.) Turns out, nearly 50% of US adults still cling to the idea that a daily low-dose aspirin is their passport to dodging heart disease, according to a new survey.
Here’s the reality: aspirin thins the blood, sure, but it also ups your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. In 2019, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology adjusted the playbook. For example, no more daily aspirin for the 71+ crowd or those with bleeding risk. By 2022, the US Preventive Services Task Force took it further saying adults 60 and up should ditch the idea altogether as the primary prevention of heart disease. So before you pop that Bufferin, talk to your doctor. And while you’re at it, grab yourself a Granny Smith.
Image: Uwe Post/Pixabay
Medical Disclaimer: Heads up, gang. The information expressed here is not to be mistaken for medical advice. It’s merely a morsel of education for you to chew on, like a mental snack. If it sparks your interest, talk to a trusted health practitioner. It isn’t meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. And if you’re dealing with a medical emergency, good God, man, call 911 ASAP.
