Study: Many patients may miss aspirin's cardiovascular benefits

A new University of Minnesota study suggests many older patients don't talk to their doctors about the cardiovascular benefits of low-dose aspirin.

Twin Cities patients at risk of a heart attack or stroke are only about one third as likely to take aspirin as people who have survived a heart attack or stroke, suggesting that many patients and doctors aren't discussing the drug's potential benefits early enough.

"There's been less clarity and more confusion about what to do when you're at risk but haven't had the event (stroke or heart attack)," study co-author Dr. Alan Hirsch said. "In other words, if aspirin is your seat belt, you'd like to wear it before the accident happens."

Men with risk factors for stroke and heart attack are advised to consider aspirin use between age 45 and 79. The range is 55 to 79 for women.

Hirsch said aspirin use has some risks and people shouldn't take the medication without talking to their doctor.

The study is published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.