Back to Table of Contents

Aspirin to Prevent Heart Attacks in Women Recommended

The message is clear, but not enough women heed it: Taking an aspirin a day can help prevent heart attacks and stroke in some women, and may even prevent further problems in women who already have cardiovascular disease.

But Jefferson cardiologist Matthew DeCaro, MD, says it’s not a one-size-fits-all prescription. Whether you should – or should not – take a daily aspirin depends on a number of factors, including your age and your risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure or diabetes.

One thing is clear: Fewer than half of American women who could definitely benefit – those who already have cardiovascular disease – actually take a daily pill, according to recent research.

Primary and secondary prevention
Dr. DeCaro explains that aspirin therapy is effective for both primary prevention and secondary prevention.

“Aspirin can help prevent heart attack or stroke in women with multiple risk factors and in healthy women who are over the age of 65,” he says. “It also provides secondary prevention to women who already have cardiovascular disease.”

Indeed, several recent studies and the latest guidelines issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) suggest there’s good reason to prescribe a daily aspirin for high-risk women. Dr. DeCaro acknowledges that the decision about aspirin for women at intermediate and lower risk is more difficult.

The AHA recommends that physicians take a more conservative approach with low- and intermediate-risk women. That’s because aspirin therapy has the potential for gastrointestinal bleeding and other side effects, such as wheezing, nasal polyps and other bronchospastic problems, which, Dr. DeCaro says are often related to allergic reactions.

“For women at low and moderate risk for heart attack or stroke, those side effects may outweigh the benefits,” he cautions.

Women between the ages of 45 and 65 who have not had heart disease but do have risk factors – including diabetes, high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol – might benefit from aspirin therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease. But they should discuss the matter with their physician to determine their degree of risk, advises Dr. DeCaro.

Matthew V. DeCaro, MD

Dr. DeCaro explains that once even healthy women reach the age of Medicare eligibility, it’s probably wise to take a daily aspirin. Studies have shown that at age 65 and over, aspirin helps prevent cardiovascular events in healthy women.

And although studies haven’t shown heart benefits for healthy women between the ages of 45 and 65, they have found a slight benefit for stroke prevention. Dr. DeCaro adds that studies have suggested aspirin also reduces the incidence of colon polyps and, by extension, colon cancer.

The bottom line on aspirin therapy
“Aspirin therapy is something every woman should be discussing with her physician,” Dr. DeCaro says. “Since it isn’t something physicians always bring up, it’s important for the patient to initiate this discussion and talk through the pros and cons based on her unique situation.”

He notes that while one 81-milligram aspirin per day has been shown to be effective for men, studies suggest some women benefit from a regimen of two pills per day.

“Again, each woman should work with her own doctor to set an appropriate course of action,” he concludes.

Always consult a physician before making any major lifestyle changes, including starting aspirin therapy. To schedule an appointment with a Jefferson physician, call 1-800-JEFF-NOW. Regardless of your needs, including location, types of insurance accepted, and particular expertise, JEFF NOW will help you find the doctor that’s right for you and get you an appointment quickly and easily.