Many Americans who are prescribed low-dose aspirin therapy to prevent a first time heart attack or stroke shouldn't be taking it in the first place, according to new research.
Researchers studied medical records of nearly 69,000 cardiology patients across the country. Nearly 12 percent of patients appeared to be prescribed aspirin unnecessarily.
Study authors say their risk of heart trouble or stroke was not high enough to justify the risks of long-term aspirin use, such as extensive bleeding.
According to the study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, women and younger patients were more likely to be using aspirin inappropriately, and rates may be even higher since many people may take daily aspirin without a doctor's recommendation.
FOX 13's Dr. Joette Giovinco says the findings show how important it is to talk to your doctor before starting on low-dose aspirin therapy, even if you think your odds of heart attack or stroke are high.
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