Studying Aspirin's Affect On Preventing Heart Attacks

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Many adults take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke. But in Monday's Health Watch, a new study confirms it's not for everyone.

Researchers looked at several studies involving more than 100,000 people without prior heart disease.

While they had fewer heart attacks, taking aspirin didn't lower death rates.

"We know that aspirin works in people who are high- and even moderate-risk. It's the people who are low-risk that we're really not sure whether using an aspirin a day or every other day is beneficial," said Dr. Tara Narula, of the Lenox Hill Hospital.

Doctors also say patients have to consider the side effects.

Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach and intestine.

Doctors recommend patients without a history of heart problems talk with their physician first to see if aspirin is the right choice.