Aspirin Helps Prevent Heart Attack or Stroke, Says Task Force

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iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — Aspirin may prevent heart attacks or stroke, says a special task force.

According to the U.S. Preventative Task Force, a daily low dose of aspirin is recommended to those in their 50’s and 60’s to help prevent heart attacks or stroke, as well as colon cancer.

Aspirin reduces the inflammatory response in the colon because it’s an anti-inflammatory drug, therefore reducing the chances of someone getting colon cancer.

It isn’t necessarily recommended purely for that benefit, but it is recommended to those who have a high risk for heart disease.

Aspirin has its own risks though. The concerning side effect of aspirin includes bleeding such as bleeding in the intestine or bleeding in the head.

If you want to know if you have a high risk for heart disease, talk to your doctor. If your chances for having a heart attack or stroke is above 10 percent, than the risk of Aspirin itself may outweigh the benefit.

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