Aspirin for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events

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NARRATOR: Healthy adults who have a higher-than-average risk of heart disease should discuss with their doctors the possible benefits of taking aspirin. The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force has found that regular use of aspirin can reduce the risk of heart attack by almost 30 percent for people who haven't had a heart attack or stroke, but who may be at increased risk. This includes men over the age of 40, post-menopausal women, and younger people who smoke or have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Doctor Cynthia Mulrow is an internist and member of the Task Force...

MULROW: "Taking aspirin can prevent heart disease—but there are risks. The risks can include bleeding into the intestines or brain. Because there are both benefits and risks with taking aspirin, it's always important to discuss them with your doctor first."

NARRATOR: The Task Force says you should talk with your doctor to determine whether you should take aspirin, and the proper dose. For more information, call 1-800-358-9295 and ask for a free fact sheet on aspirin and heart disease. This is Joe Balintfy reporting.