Heart and vascular, or cardiovascular, diseases include conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in older adults nationwide. In the past, experts recommended taking a low-dose daily aspirin for preventing cardiovascular disease. It helps thin the blood to prevent blood clots. Studies have shown that aspirin can help some people prevent a second heart attack or stroke. However, taking aspirin also comes with a higher risk of bleeding. In certain groups of people, recent research has found few benefits and an increased risk of bleeding from daily aspirin use. In response, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology updated their guidelines last March. They no longer recommend aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults aged 70 and older or for those with a higher risk of bleeding, like those with stomach (peptic) ulcers.
