Daily use of this common pill might have more risks than benefits

One of the world’s most widely used pills – used by over 29 million people, around 7 million of whom take it without medical supervision – has some negative side effects that outweigh its benefits. Aspirin is a medication that many Americans take daily to treat a wide range of symptoms, from aches and pains to preventing heart attacks and blood clots.

Studies have highlighted some of the risks of regular intake, especially when the person consuming it is over 60 and has never had a heart attack or stroke.

Photo by Robina Weermeijer

dr Michael Daignault wrote about this phenomenon in USA Today and explained why aspirin can be considered a risk for a significant number of people. Aspirin’s power in preventing heart attacks and heart disease lies in its ability to suppress the normal function of platelets, which normally travel to damaged blood vessels and repair them by clumping together. When this process is abnormal, there is a higher chance of suffering heart attacks and strokes.

RELATED: This World-Famous Pill Might Offer Period Cramp Relief

A side effect of aspirin’s strengths is the fact that it thins the blood, which causes problems for people struggling with other medical conditions. “In the emergency department, we do not recommend aspirin and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen for patients with peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, hemophilia, kidney disease, and other conditions because aspirin is known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding,” writes Dr Daignault.

Daignault isn’t the only doctor concerned about the high number of people taking aspirin regularly; This year, the United States Preventing Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated its guidelines and advised that adults over 60 who have not had a heart attack or stroke should not take the pill as a preventative measure.

RELATED: Taking a walk after eating may reduce your chances of getting this disease

In short, aspirin is a great and cheap way to protect heart health. Still, there are guidelines for its use, and it should be consumed primarily by people who have had a history of heart attacks and strokes, or by those who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease and who are advised by their doctor. For those who don’t fall on this spectrum, regular exercise, stress management, and sound sleep are proven ways to lower your risk of heart disease and manage heart health.