For many years aspirin has been the go-to recommendation for older adults. Millions of adults age 70 and older in the United States take an aspirin a day as a daily routine because it was previously recommended by the American Heart Association as a preventative measure to help protect against potential heart attack and stroke.

A new study of nearly 20,000 patients now contradicts that previous information saying that is not the case. An aspirin a day is no longer recommended to anyone who is not at elevated risk – those who have already had one or more heart attacks or strokes in their medical history.

If you have had either a stroke or heart attack, have stents inserted, or a tendency towards blood clots – aspirin can be a lifesaver… otherwise, there are better options.

Dr. Roger Blumenthal, the doctor who co-chaired the new guidelines, claims in a statement. “It’s much more important to optimize lifestyle habits and control blood pressure and cholesterol as opposed to recommending aspirin.”

New Findings On Aspirin

Aspirin taken by patients who have a risk of bleeding – those taking Warfarin or other blood thinners, those with kidney disease, diabetes, a history of ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, or heart disease or those who are prescribed certain medications such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or anticoagulants can all increase the bleeding risk. This group needs to avoid taking aspirin altogether.

What Is Aspirin?

Aspirin is made from the chemical ingredient known as Salicylic acid made from the bark of the willow tree. It was discovered in1763 by Reverend Edmund Stone of Chipping-Norton, England.

Interesting to Note – A more natural approach with the same benefits and no risk.

Aspirin is used because it’s an analgesic.  An analgesic acts on the central nervous system to help alleviate pain. It is also an anti-inflammatory – when you can reduce inflammation, this also negates pain.

Salicylic acid, the same ingredient your aspirin tablets are made from, can be found right in your daily dietary intake. This is a list of foods that contain salicylic acid and can encourage your body to rely on a healthy natural alternative to aspirin in pill form.

Apples

Avocados

Blueberries

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Cherries

Chili peppers

Cucumbers

Currants (including dried currants)

Dates

Eggplant

Figs

Grapefruit

Grapes

Kiwi

Licorice (the herb, not the candy)

Meadowsweet (an herb)

Paprika

Peaches

Plums and prunes

Radishes

Raspberries

Spinach

Strawberries

Turmeric (the spice)

Willow Bark

Zucchini

So, if you are taking aspirin as a daily regimen preventatively consult your physician or cardiologist. Their recommendations very likely have changed thanks to modern research.

If you are in the Tampa Florida area visit www.tampacardio.com or call (813) 975-2800 to schedule a consultation.