The Pros And Cons Of Aspirin

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- So how good is aspirin in the prevention of heart disease.

According to a major new report, there is evidence from a total of 11 trials involving more than 118,000 patients that suggest that aspirin used in the primary prevention of ASCVD is a great idea.

Of course, aspirin is not for everyone: physicians should balance the benefit to risk ratio and the individual's preferences, calculating the 10-year ASCVD risk and evaluating risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding. The key to a safer choice is a more personalized approach to figuring out who should get low dose aspirin which is 81 mg/d.

It is important to know the pros and cons and match them up. Obviously aspirin is over the counter, but if you plan to use it on a daily basis you need to talk with your doctor.

It can be a lifesaver but it is not without side effects.