A 5-year study of elderly Japanese (60 to 85 years of age ) showed that long-term daily taking of low-dose aspirin did not result in a significant improvement in cardiovascular outcomes. Good News – daily low dose aspirin appeared to decrease (47% reduction ) nonfatal heart attacks and a 43% reduction in the incidence of ‘mini-strokes’ (transient ischemic attacks – TIAs). Bad News – a 1.85-fold increase in serious extracranial hemorrhage occurred.
The American Heart Association paper presentation (2014 Scientific Session Nov.16 ) revealed the benefits of low dose aspirin (100mg enteric coated) in elederly patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia (elevated cholesterol/trigylcerides) or diabetes mellitus are not there.
Bottom Line: folks at low risk of vascular events should not take aspirin even at low dose.
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