Here’s the Scoop on Whether to Take Low Dose Aspirin for Heart Disease

The ever-changing guidelines can be confusing not only to the layperson but also to cardiologists.

One of the most common questions I was asked as a cardiologist was, “Should I take aspirin?” I used to think the question was easy; however, the answer has become muddied with time. Because of its effect on platelets (blood cell component that makes blood more or less “sticky”), low dosages of aspirin (LDA) have long been known to help prevent blood clots. And it’s blood clots that may cause heart attacks, strokes, and sudden cardiac death. However, before diving into the data, let me share some personal history.

Because I have high blood cholesterol and a family history of early heart disease, I took low-dose aspirin (81–162 mg per day) for many years. However, in 2011, I had severe chest pain, prompting a visit to the emergency room. I thought I was having a heart attack. However, my EKG and blood enzyme tests were negative, ruling out that diagnosis. Out of an abundance of caution, I was admitted to the hospital for observation.