Aspirin therapy for cardiovascular prevention

Renu and I are often asked is whether or not to take Aspirin routinely after a certain age for prevention. It depends which category you are in: A. If you have had a heart attack, stent/bypass, ischemic stroke/mini stroke, or peripheral arterial disease or have known narrowing of heart arteries aspirin is often used in LOW dose 81 mg daily in the US and 75 mg daily in India. —This is called *Secondary prevention B. If you have NOT had any of these but are trying to prevent the first episode from happening this is called Primary Prevention. This is where most recommendations do NOT call for Aspirin routinely today, because the bleeding risk can overpower the benefit, particularly in those over 60. However each person is different and you must discuss all the potential benefits and risks with your doctor.