Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Do Birth Control Pills Cause Higher Risk Of Heart Diseases?

(Credit-Canva)

While kids are a blessing, they need a lot of planning, care and attention to grow up healthy and strong. In the current economic state, people have to plan years ahead if they want to have a comfortable life as well as take care of their children properly. But more often than not, the lack of contraceptives causes unwanted pregnancies that can throw people off their game completely. Many unwanted pregnancies result in parents struggling to make ends meet, the child growing up in an unstable situation as well as a lot of mental health issues. Before proper contraceptives were developed, people had to figure their period cycles and take other precautions to avoid unwanted pregnancies, but as you may already know, these measures were not foolproof and created a lot of problems for women. With the production of birth control pills not only have people avoided an unwanted pregnancy but it has also made planning a family much easier. 

A new study has found a connection between the most common type of birth control pill and a slightly higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. This means that women who use these pills might have a slightly increased chance of experiencing these serious health problems. The study also showed that <span>vaginal rings and skin patches</span> that use the same hormones as these common pills carry a similar increased risk. It's important to remember that even though there's a slightly higher chance, the actual risk for any single woman is still quite small. However, because of this slightly increased risk, doctors should be aware of this study and consider it when they're helping women decide which birth control method is best for them. 

<h2>Why Has <span rel="noindex">Birth Control Become The Problem Pill</span>?</h2>

The birth control pill that's being talked about in this study contains two hormones, <span>estrogen and progestin</span>. This combination of hormones is actually the most common type of birth control pill that's prescribed. Researchers in Denmark did this study, and they published their findings in a medical journal. Because of their findings, the researchers suggest that doctors have a good conversation with their patients about the potential risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, when they're discussing different birth control options. This way, women have all the information they need to make the best choice for their own health. 

 The researchers looked at the health records of over 2 million women in Denmark, all between the ages of 15 and 49, over a long period of time. That's a lot of women! They studied many different types of birth control, including the pill, rings, patches, IUDs, and other methods. The researchers then compared the health of the women using each type of birth control to the health of women who weren't using any birth control at all. What they were specifically looking for were any instances of heart attacks and strokes. It's important to know that the study didn't include women who already had certain health problems, like a history of blood clots, so they could focus on the effect of the birth control itself. 

<h2>The <span rel="noindex">Increase In Risk Due To Birth Control</span> </h2>

The study found that women who were taking the combined estrogen/<span>progestin</span> pill had double the relative risk of a heart attack or stroke. "Relative risk" just means that compared to women not on the pill, their risk was higher. However, it's really important to understand that the actual risk for any individual woman was still quite low. To put it in perspective, the researchers estimated that for every few thousand women taking the pill, there might be only one extra stroke or heart attack per year. So, while the risk is doubled compared to not using the pill, the actual chance is still small. The study also showed that other types of birth control pills that only contain progestin also slightly increased the risk, but not as much as the combined estrogen/progestin pill. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">What Should Women Use</span>? </h2>

Vaginal rings and skin patches with both estrogen and progestin had the highest risk, more than doubling the chance of heart attack and stroke. But progestin-only IUDs showed no increased risk. This is important information for women choosing birth control. Researchers said their study only showed a link, not that the pills caused the problems. More research is needed. Experts say that even though individual risk is low, because so many women use these pills, the overall impact is important. It's good to keep looking for safer birth control options. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Birth Control Pills Cause Risk Of Heart Diseases

progestin

increase in risk due to birth control

birth control become the problem

Birth Control Become The Problem Pill

What Should Women Use?

Vaginal rings and skin patches

estrogen and progestin

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While kids are a blessing, they need a lot of planning, care and attention to grow up healthy and strong. In the current economic state, people have to plan years ahead if they want to have a comfortable life as well as take care of their children properly. But more often than not, the lack of contraceptives causes unwanted pregnancies that can throw people off their game completely. Many unwanted pregnancies result in parents struggling to make ends meet, the child growing up in an unstable situation as well as a lot of mental health issues. Before proper contraceptives were developed, people had to figure their period cycles and take other precautions to avoid unwanted pregnancies, but as you may already know, these measures were not foolproof and created a lot of problems for women. With the production of birth control pills not only have people avoided an unwanted pregnancy but it has also made planning a family much easier. A new study has found a connection between the most common type of birth control pill and a slightly higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. This means that women who use these pills might have a slightly increased chance of experiencing these serious health problems. The study also showed that vaginal rings and skin patches that use the same hormones as these common pills carry a similar increased risk. It's important to remember that even though there's a slightly higher chance, the actual risk for any single woman is still quite small. However, because of this slightly increased risk, doctors should be aware of this study and consider it when they're helping women decide which birth control method is best for them. Why Has Birth Control Become The Problem Pill?The birth control pill that's being talked about in this study contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. This combination of hormones is actually the most common type of birth control pill that's prescribed. Researchers in Denmark did this study, and they published their findings in a medical journal. Because of their findings, the researchers suggest that doctors have a good conversation with their patients about the potential risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, when they're discussing different birth control options. This way, women have all the information they need to make the best choice for their own health.  The researchers looked at the health records of over 2 million women in Denmark, all between the ages of 15 and 49, over a long period of time. That's a lot of women! They studied many different types of birth control, including the pill, rings, patches, IUDs, and other methods. The researchers then compared the health of the women using each type of birth control to the health of women who weren't using any birth control at all. What they were specifically looking for were any instances of heart attacks and strokes. It's important to know that the study didn't include women who already had certain health problems, like a history of blood clots, so they could focus on the effect of the birth control itself. The Increase In Risk Due To Birth Control The study found that women who were taking the combined estrogen/progestin pill had double the relative risk of a heart attack or stroke. "Relative risk" just means that compared to women not on the pill, their risk was higher. However, it's really important to understand that the actual risk for any individual woman was still quite low. To put it in perspective, the researchers estimated that for every few thousand women taking the pill, there might be only one extra stroke or heart attack per year. So, while the risk is doubled compared to not using the pill, the actual chance is still small. The study also showed that other types of birth control pills that only contain progestin also slightly increased the risk, but not as much as the combined estrogen/progestin pill. What Should Women Use? Vaginal rings and skin patches with both estrogen and progestin had the highest risk, more than doubling the chance of heart attack and stroke. But progestin-only IUDs showed no increased risk. This is important information for women choosing birth control. Researchers said their study only showed a link, not that the pills caused the problems. More research is needed. Experts say that even though individual risk is low, because so many women use these pills, the overall impact is important. It's good to keep looking for safer birth control options. 

do birth control pills cause higher risk of heart diseases?

Lower Doses Of CBD Could Also Cause Liver Damage

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<span>CBD</span> or <span>cannabidiol</span> is a very popular component, not just in cannabis (<span>marijuana</span>) but it is also an important component in medical marijuana, Harvard Health explains. They further detail how CBD does not make people dependent on it or cause potential substance abuse. However while previous studies like 2024 study published in the Neuropsychopharmacology journal have shown that CBD is unlikely to cause significant harm to daily functioning or workplace performance, researchers have found that liver damage can be a likely outcome of long-term use. 

Even though cannabidiol (CBD) products are everywhere these days—think capsules, gummies, edibles, oils, and lotions—a recent study suggests that even small amounts might not be entirely safe for your liver. 

<h2>FDA Trial Investigates Low-Dose CBD Effects </h2>

Researchers from the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Division of Applied Regulatory Science conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial last year. The study aimed to assess how low-dose CBD affects liver function in a group of 201 healthy middle-aged men and women. 

For four weeks, 201 volunteers were given either a typical amount of oral CBD (about 350 mg for someone weighing 154 pounds) or a dummy pill. They had weekly check-ups to see how their bodies were reacting. 

<h2>Liver Enzyme Elevations Observed </h2>

The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that most people were fine. However, 5% showed significantly higher levels of a liver enzyme called aminotransferase. This enzyme is a known sign of liver damage or inflammation. Women seemed to be more affected than men. The good news is that these liver enzyme levels went back to normal within a week or two after people stopped taking CBD. Also, seven participants dropped out of the study because they were showing signs of possible liver injury caused by the CBD. 

Researchers called these findings "important." They said it suggests that CBD itself, even without other drugs, might be a risk to liver health. Many people using over-the-counter CBD might not know about this potential for liver damage, assuming CBD is completely harmless. 

Signs of liver damage include stomach discomfort, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and feeling very tired. It's important to know that liver injuries caused by drugs don't always show up right away. In the government study, only one person with high liver enzymes actually felt symptoms within four weeks. This suggests that people might not realize they're hurting their liver. Experts say doctors should ask about regular CBD use during check-ups. 

This isn't the first study to point out possible liver risks with CBD. Concerns came up before when a government agency reviewed data for CBD-based prescription drugs for childhood epilepsy. In those cases, 14% of patients had raised liver enzymes. While those patients were also taking other seizure medications, the new study suggests CBD alone can be a factor. 

Research also shows that certain doses of CBD can affect liver cells in a way similar to acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen, when taken too much, is a very common cause of drug-induced liver injury. 

Recent studies show that people who take very high doses of CBD, over 1000 mg per day, are most at risk of liver injury. However, there have been reports of liver injuries even in healthy people taking moderate doses, between 300 mg and 1000 mg per day. 

We don't know much about why some people are more affected than others, but it's thought that genetics might play a role. CBD can also block certain liver enzymes needed to process medications. 

In the new government study, most participants who had serious liver problems also showed signs of an immune condition where the body makes too many white blood cells called eosinophils. 

marijuana

CBD and liver damage

Low Dose CBD Effects

Liver Enzyme and CBD

cannabidiol

CBD or cannabidiol is a very popular component, not just in cannabis (marijuana) but it is also an important component in medical marijuana, Harvard Health explains. They further detail how CBD does not make people dependent on it or cause potential substance abuse. However while previous studies like 2024 study published in the Neuropsychopharmacology journal have shown that CBD is unlikely to cause significant harm to daily functioning or workplace performance, researchers have found that liver damage can be a likely outcome of long-term use. Even though cannabidiol (CBD) products are everywhere these days—think capsules, gummies, edibles, oils, and lotions—a recent study suggests that even small amounts might not be entirely safe for your liver. FDA Trial Investigates Low-Dose CBD Effects Researchers from the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Division of Applied Regulatory Science conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial last year. The study aimed to assess how low-dose CBD affects liver function in a group of 201 healthy middle-aged men and women. For four weeks, 201 volunteers were given either a typical amount of oral CBD (about 350 mg for someone weighing 154 pounds) or a dummy pill. They had weekly check-ups to see how their bodies were reacting. Liver Enzyme Elevations Observed The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that most people were fine. However, 5% showed significantly higher levels of a liver enzyme called aminotransferase. This enzyme is a known sign of liver damage or inflammation. Women seemed to be more affected than men. The good news is that these liver enzyme levels went back to normal within a week or two after people stopped taking CBD. Also, seven participants dropped out of the study because they were showing signs of possible liver injury caused by the CBD. Researchers called these findings "important." They said it suggests that CBD itself, even without other drugs, might be a risk to liver health. Many people using over-the-counter CBD might not know about this potential for liver damage, assuming CBD is completely harmless. What Liver Problems Look Like Signs of liver damage include stomach discomfort, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and feeling very tired. It's important to know that liver injuries caused by drugs don't always show up right away. In the government study, only one person with high liver enzymes actually felt symptoms within four weeks. This suggests that people might not realize they're hurting their liver. Experts say doctors should ask about regular CBD use during check-ups. This isn't the first study to point out possible liver risks with CBD. Concerns came up before when a government agency reviewed data for CBD-based prescription drugs for childhood epilepsy. In those cases, 14% of patients had raised liver enzymes. While those patients were also taking other seizure medications, the new study suggests CBD alone can be a factor. Research also shows that certain doses of CBD can affect liver cells in a way similar to acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen, when taken too much, is a very common cause of drug-induced liver injury. Who Might Be at Higher Risk? Recent studies show that people who take very high doses of CBD, over 1000 mg per day, are most at risk of liver injury. However, there have been reports of liver injuries even in healthy people taking moderate doses, between 300 mg and 1000 mg per day. We don't know much about why some people are more affected than others, but it's thought that genetics might play a role. CBD can also block certain liver enzymes needed to process medications. In the new government study, most participants who had serious liver problems also showed signs of an immune condition where the body makes too many white blood cells called eosinophils. 

lower doses of cbd could also cause liver damage: fda study finds

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Plastic surgeries, butt lifts, and many more such things done to your body are no longer new, but what many do not know are the risks it usually involves, and often a pungent smell that it leaves. Among the many such surgeries are <span>BBL</span> and the <span>BBL Smell</span>. 

BBL is the <span>Brazilian Butt Lift surgery</span>. This is a cosmetic process to enhance the size and shape of one's buttocks through a transfer of fat. The process is also known as buttock augmentation with fat grafting.

As per the National Health Service, UK, BBL could be a dangerous surgery, and the main concern remains the injected fat, which could cause a blockage in a blood vessel in the lungs and could be in fact fatal. It also includes risks of a serious skin infection and lumpy scars. 

However, there is another effect that people may not talk about, it is the BBL Smell.

Dr Frita McRae Fisher, MD, a triple board-certified medical doctor with certifications in nephrology, hypertension, and diabetes is also an influencer on social media channels. In one of her YouTube videos, Dr Frita explains if BBL smells or not, why does it smell and how old is too old for BBL. 

She explains that BBL can smell if you develop fat necrosis. 

<strong>What happens under this condition?</strong>

This is when the fat tissue that is injected into the buttocks dies. 

Dr Frita explains that when you get a BBL done, the fat tissue is injected in the buttocks below the skin and above the muscle. However, she explains, "sometimes some of these fat cells die and when they do, they can release cellular debris and toxins, which can produce a foul odor." 

A Chicago-based Impressions Face and Body, Dr Eric Anderson told the <em>Daily Mail</em>, "The BBL smell is real."

Not only does the death of the cell cause this smell, but it could also be because the patients are sweating or siting for long periods. Other factors could be unhygienic habits, which can cause BBL smell. 

Dr Anderson explains that if a patient is "overfilled" with fat during the process, the tissue could die in the buttocks. “When there is more fat in an area than the blood supply allows, the fat will die through a smelly process called fat necrosis, which can lead to infections that need antibiotics, hospitalizations, and even sepsis,” he explained. 

<h4>What Are The Other Reasons For A Smelly BBL?</h4>

Dr Frita also seconds with Dr Anderson's opinion that there are a variety of causes that can lead to a smelly BBL.

She goes on to explain the number 2 reason for the same. "If you develop a bacterial infection, your BBL can smell. The BBL surgery takes place right near the area where you make your bowel movements, and so it is very possible for fecal mater to come in contact with the surgical wounds. If this happens, you can develop a bacterial infection, which can produce a foul odor."

Other factors include the surgeon not using proper sterile tools and techniques to perform the surgery, and having poor personal hygiene practices.

Dr Frita explains that right after the BBL surgery, "your buttock region would be larger than before." This is what causes more sweat in between and underneath the buttocks, this is what requires an extra care and hygiene. 

However, she clarifies that most BBL do not smell, if it does, it is best to get it checked by your doctor. She suggests that one must also see a doctor if their BBL is leaking, causing chronic pain or have a high fever after the surgery. 

BBL Smell

health and wellness

BBL smell reasons

BBL smell causes

Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery

Plastic surgeries, butt lifts, and many more such things done to your body are no longer new, but what many do not know are the risks it usually involves, and often a pungent smell that it leaves. Among the many such surgeries are BBL and the BBL Smell. What Is BBL?BBL is the Brazilian Butt Lift surgery. This is a cosmetic process to enhance the size and shape of one's buttocks through a transfer of fat. The process is also known as buttock augmentation with fat grafting.As per the National Health Service, UK, BBL could be a dangerous surgery, and the main concern remains the injected fat, which could cause a blockage in a blood vessel in the lungs and could be in fact fatal. It also includes risks of a serious skin infection and lumpy scars. However, there is another effect that people may not talk about, it is the BBL Smell.Does BBL Smell?Dr Frita McRae Fisher, MD, a triple board-certified medical doctor with certifications in nephrology, hypertension, and diabetes is also an influencer on social media channels. In one of her YouTube videos, Dr Frita explains if BBL smells or not, why does it smell and how old is too old for BBL. She explains that BBL can smell if you develop fat necrosis. What happens under this condition?This is when the fat tissue that is injected into the buttocks dies. Dr Frita explains that when you get a BBL done, the fat tissue is injected in the buttocks below the skin and above the muscle. However, she explains, "sometimes some of these fat cells die and when they do, they can release cellular debris and toxins, which can produce a foul odor." A Chicago-based Impressions Face and Body, Dr Eric Anderson told the Daily Mail, "The BBL smell is real."Not only does the death of the cell cause this smell, but it could also be because the patients are sweating or siting for long periods. Other factors could be unhygienic habits, which can cause BBL smell. Why Do Fat Cells Die?Dr Anderson explains that if a patient is "overfilled" with fat during the process, the tissue could die in the buttocks. “When there is more fat in an area than the blood supply allows, the fat will die through a smelly process called fat necrosis, which can lead to infections that need antibiotics, hospitalizations, and even sepsis,” he explained. What Are The Other Reasons For A Smelly BBL?Dr Frita also seconds with Dr Anderson's opinion that there are a variety of causes that can lead to a smelly BBL.She goes on to explain the number 2 reason for the same. "If you develop a bacterial infection, your BBL can smell. The BBL surgery takes place right near the area where you make your bowel movements, and so it is very possible for fecal mater to come in contact with the surgical wounds. If this happens, you can develop a bacterial infection, which can produce a foul odor."Other factors include the surgeon not using proper sterile tools and techniques to perform the surgery, and having poor personal hygiene practices.Dr Frita explains that right after the BBL surgery, "your buttock region would be larger than before." This is what causes more sweat in between and underneath the buttocks, this is what requires an extra care and hygiene. However, she clarifies that most BBL do not smell, if it does, it is best to get it checked by your doctor. She suggests that one must also see a doctor if their BBL is leaking, causing chronic pain or have a high fever after the surgery. 

why does your bbl smell? doctor explains 4 reasons that could cause it

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For decades, a daily low-dose aspirin was the go-to prescription for heart disease prevention. The tiny pill was considered a low-effort, high-reward approach to keeping heart attacks and strokes at bay. But recent research and evolving guidelines are prompting doctors to pump the brakes, especially when it comes to older adults.

Historically, aspirin’s blood-thinning properties made it a staple for preventing blood clots, which are a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. This practice, known as "primary prevention," targeted people who had not yet experienced a cardiovascular event but were considered at risk due to age or other factors. A typical dose hovered around 81 milligrams per day.

For individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, aspirin’s benefits still hold. That’s "secondary prevention," and most experts still endorse it. But for older adults with no prior heart issues, new studies are revealing a more complicated risk-benefit balance.

Newer clinical trials and large-scale studies began to challenge the once-universal recommendation. They found that for many older adults, particularly those over 60 or 70 without a history of heart disease, the risk of serious bleeding outweighed the potential cardiovascular benefits.

As a result, leading health organizations have revised their guidelines:

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) advise against daily aspirin for primary prevention in adults over 70.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against starting low-dose aspirin for primary prevention in adults over 60, and suggests a case-by-case approach for those aged 40-59 who have a 10% or greater 10-year cardiovascular risk.

<h2>What Are The Hidden Risks Of Taking Aspirin?</h2>

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and prevents platelets from clumping together. But this same mechanism that reduces heart attacks also raises the risk of internal bleeding, particularly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and brain.

Older adults are already more vulnerable to GI bleeding and hemorrhagic strokes. When aspirin is added to the mix, the potential for serious, sometimes fatal, complications increases.

According to Dr. Jordan Schaefer, a hematologist at the University of Michigan Medical School, "For some patients without a history of cardiovascular disease, the benefits of taking aspirin may be offset by an increased risk of bleeding, especially as patients get older."

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology surveyed over 2,500 adults between the ages of 50 and 80. It found that:

<ul><li>About 1 in 6 older adults still take daily aspirin for primary prevention.</li><li>Nearly 25% started aspirin use without a physician’s recommendation.</li><li>Only 68% were aware that aspirin increases the risk of bleeding.</li><li>Nearly 30% believed aspirin could reduce the risk of dementia.</li></ul>

Younger respondents (aged 50-69) were twice as likely to use aspirin for primary prevention compared to those aged 70-80. Women and individuals with household incomes over $60,000 were also more likely to take aspirin preventatively.

Dr. Mark Edwards, an internal medicine resident at University of Michigan Health and lead author of the study, pointed out that many patients believe aspirin offers wide-ranging health benefits, not just heart protection. "It appears that older adults taking aspirin may anticipate benefits beyond reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and may not fully understand the added risk of bleeding," he said.

<h2>Why Many Still Take Aspirin Without Doctor Guidance?</h2>

Old habits die hard. For years, media campaigns and public health messaging endorsed the idea of a daily aspirin. Even today, some doctors haven’t updated their advice, and many patients continue on autopilot.

Adding to the confusion, aspirin is available over-the-counter and has a reputation for being "harmless." Aspirin use is much more of a complex question than it once seemed, which is all the more reason why it is important to consult a health care provider when considering use.

<h2>What Should Patients Over 40 Do?</h2>

If you're over 40, the advice isn't to automatically start or stop aspirin. It's to have a thoughtful conversation with your doctor about your individual risk. Risk assessments often include:

<ul><li>Personal and family history of heart disease</li><li>Blood pressure and cholesterol levels</li><li>Smoking status</li><li>Diabetes or prediabetes</li><li>Other medications that may increase bleeding risk</li></ul>

Based on these factors, your doctor may calculate your 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease and guide your decision.

<h2>What About People Already on Aspirin?</h2>

If you’re over 60 and taking aspirin without a prior cardiovascular event, it’s time to revisit the plan. Do not stop abruptly without consulting your physician, especially if you have a stent, history of stroke, or previous heart attack.

Experts recommend, anyone over 40 should talk to their provider about their risk for cardiovascular disease, with careful consideration of family and health histories.

Aspirin isn’t a one-size-fits-all preventive tool anymore. For many healthy older adults, the risks outweigh the benefits, particularly when it comes to internal bleeding. Still, for those with a documented history of cardiovascular disease, aspirin remains a cornerstone of secondary prevention.

Skip the DIY health decisions, talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any daily aspirin regimen. What once seemed like a harmless habit could be doing more harm than good.

senior healthcare

aspirin for older adults

aspirin bleeding risk

daily aspirin warning

aspirin heart disease prevention

new aspirin guidelines

aspirin age limit

aspirin side effects

heart health

For decades, a daily low-dose aspirin was the go-to prescription for heart disease prevention. The tiny pill was considered a low-effort, high-reward approach to keeping heart attacks and strokes at bay. But recent research and evolving guidelines are prompting doctors to pump the brakes, especially when it comes to older adults.Historically, aspirin’s blood-thinning properties made it a staple for preventing blood clots, which are a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. This practice, known as "primary prevention," targeted people who had not yet experienced a cardiovascular event but were considered at risk due to age or other factors. A typical dose hovered around 81 milligrams per day.For individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, aspirin’s benefits still hold. That’s "secondary prevention," and most experts still endorse it. But for older adults with no prior heart issues, new studies are revealing a more complicated risk-benefit balance.Newer clinical trials and large-scale studies began to challenge the once-universal recommendation. They found that for many older adults, particularly those over 60 or 70 without a history of heart disease, the risk of serious bleeding outweighed the potential cardiovascular benefits.As a result, leading health organizations have revised their guidelines:The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) advise against daily aspirin for primary prevention in adults over 70.The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against starting low-dose aspirin for primary prevention in adults over 60, and suggests a case-by-case approach for those aged 40-59 who have a 10% or greater 10-year cardiovascular risk.What Are The Hidden Risks Of Taking Aspirin?Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and prevents platelets from clumping together. But this same mechanism that reduces heart attacks also raises the risk of internal bleeding, particularly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and brain.Older adults are already more vulnerable to GI bleeding and hemorrhagic strokes. When aspirin is added to the mix, the potential for serious, sometimes fatal, complications increases.According to Dr. Jordan Schaefer, a hematologist at the University of Michigan Medical School, "For some patients without a history of cardiovascular disease, the benefits of taking aspirin may be offset by an increased risk of bleeding, especially as patients get older."A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology surveyed over 2,500 adults between the ages of 50 and 80. It found that:About 1 in 6 older adults still take daily aspirin for primary prevention.Nearly 25% started aspirin use without a physician’s recommendation.Only 68% were aware that aspirin increases the risk of bleeding.Nearly 30% believed aspirin could reduce the risk of dementia.Younger respondents (aged 50-69) were twice as likely to use aspirin for primary prevention compared to those aged 70-80. Women and individuals with household incomes over $60,000 were also more likely to take aspirin preventatively.Dr. Mark Edwards, an internal medicine resident at University of Michigan Health and lead author of the study, pointed out that many patients believe aspirin offers wide-ranging health benefits, not just heart protection. "It appears that older adults taking aspirin may anticipate benefits beyond reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and may not fully understand the added risk of bleeding," he said.Why Many Still Take Aspirin Without Doctor Guidance?Old habits die hard. For years, media campaigns and public health messaging endorsed the idea of a daily aspirin. Even today, some doctors haven’t updated their advice, and many patients continue on autopilot.Adding to the confusion, aspirin is available over-the-counter and has a reputation for being "harmless." Aspirin use is much more of a complex question than it once seemed, which is all the more reason why it is important to consult a health care provider when considering use.What Should Patients Over 40 Do?If you're over 40, the advice isn't to automatically start or stop aspirin. It's to have a thoughtful conversation with your doctor about your individual risk. Risk assessments often include:Personal and family history of heart diseaseBlood pressure and cholesterol levelsSmoking statusDiabetes or prediabetesOther medications that may increase bleeding riskBased on these factors, your doctor may calculate your 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease and guide your decision.What About People Already on Aspirin?If you’re over 60 and taking aspirin without a prior cardiovascular event, it’s time to revisit the plan. Do not stop abruptly without consulting your physician, especially if you have a stent, history of stroke, or previous heart attack.Experts recommend, anyone over 40 should talk to their provider about their risk for cardiovascular disease, with careful consideration of family and health histories.Aspirin isn’t a one-size-fits-all preventive tool anymore. For many healthy older adults, the risks outweigh the benefits, particularly when it comes to internal bleeding. Still, for those with a documented history of cardiovascular disease, aspirin remains a cornerstone of secondary prevention.Skip the DIY health decisions, talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any daily aspirin regimen. What once seemed like a harmless habit could be doing more harm than good.

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