Aspirin, Apples and Heart Disease

We've all heard an apple a day can keep the doctor away, but what about an
aspirin a day? For years now cardiologists and researchers have promulgated
the use of aspirin to prevent heart disease, but is the touted pill really a
wonder for prevention? Aspirin is an anti-platelet drug that aids in blood
circulation and allows blood to move smoothly without clotting through
narrow veins.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force said in a panel discussion
according to the National Post, "Men in the 45-to-79 age range should take
Aspirin daily if their 10-year risk of suffering a heart attack exceeds
four, nine or 12%, depending on whether they are 45 to 59, 60 to 69 or 70 to
79 years old, respectively. Women age 55 to 79 should take Aspirin on a
regular basis for stroke prevention if that 10-year risk exceeds the risk of
bleeding from the digestive tract, or is greater than three, eight or 11%,
depending on whether they are 55 to 59, 60 to 69 or 70 to 79 years old,
respectively."

Alongside the use of Aspirin many have urged high risk patients to have
regular heart scans to prevent cardiovascular disease and heart attack. Both
initiatives should be taken on by your physician however.

---