Recently, we wrote that blood thinners are better than daily aspirin at preventing a repeat heart attack or stroke. We learn more and more about health all the time. Several years ago, guidelines changed. Daily low-dose aspirin (also called baby aspirin) is no longer recommended to prevent first heart attacks or strokes. The preventative benefits it offers are outweighed by the bleeding risks it carries.
However, medical situations are always personal and have a lot of different aspects. People’s health concerns have many facets. New research has found that, for people with blood sugar concerns, daily baby aspirin may still be helpful. In a study, people with blood sugar concerns who took daily aspirin were less likely to have a cardiac event.
“We were somewhat surprised by the magnitude of the findings,” said researcher Dr. Aleesha Kainat, a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the Univ. of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “People with [blood sugar concerns] and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease who reported taking low-dose aspirin were much less likely to have had a heart attack, stroke or death over 10 years when compared to similar individuals who did not report taking low-dose aspirin. That benefit was greatest for those who took aspirin consistently, throughout most of the follow-up time.”
The researchers approached their work with the understanding that daily aspirin isn’t recommended anymore for the general public. But they wondered if it would help people with blood sugar concerns, as blood sugar concerns are a risk factor for cardiac problems.
The study used the medical records of more than 11,600 adults with blood sugar concerns and a higher risk of heart problems. The researchers excluded people who were at high risk for bleeding, as that impacts a person’s choice to take aspirin and how aspirin impacts their body. The team found that the people who took aspirin were 19 percent less likely to have a heart attack, 10 percent less likely to have a stroke and 18 percent less likely to die during the study.
The research was observational and based on medical records. They didn’t ask anyone to change their behavior. That means the study didn’t test anything; it can show a pattern, but not prove a cause. And, people who take aspirin daily may have other habits in common.
“Right now, the American Heart Association does not recommend low-dose aspirin for primary prevention in these adults, but this study creates some interesting questions for future research and validation,” said Dr. Amit Khera, a professor of medicine and director of preventive cardiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, who was not involved in the research.
Every person’s medical choices are personal and need to be tailored to them. If you are at higher risk for a cardiac event and have blood sugar concerns, it is essential to sit down and talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Together, you can decide if aspirin would be right for you or if the potential risks outweigh the benefits.
