A major new study shows that taking one or two low-dose ASA each day could benefit more people than previously thought.
ASA is prescribed routinely to help prevent a second heart attack and to reduce hospitalization for those with chronic severe chest pain. But under new guidelines to be released Tuesday, people who are merely at risk for heart disease are now being advised to consider low-dose aspirin therapy.
The research concludes that low-dose ASA therapy cuts the risk of developing heart disease by up to 28 percent in people who have at least one risk factor.
One doctor estimates the new recommendations could save up to 40,000 lives a year worldwide. The report was issued by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force and is being published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.
