Daily Aspirin May Not Keep Health Risks Away

The risks may outweigh the benefits for many Americans who routinely take aspirin.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the drug, which is often taken to reduce the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack, could actually result in gastrointestinal hemorrhaging or bleeding in the brain.

Guidelines by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggest aspirin for men age 45 to 79 who are at risk for heart disease because of smoking or high cholesterol. Women with high blood pressure or diabetes who are 55 to 79 years old may also want to take aspirin to prevent ischemic stroke. Healthy people receive little benefit from taking aspirin daily, according to Ned Calonge, chairman of the task force.

"We would like doctors to re-look at their patients who are on aspirin and consider recommending stopping it where the chance of harm outweighs the benefit," Calonge said in an interview with the Journal.

By maintaining their health, consumers may be able to receive lower premiums on their health insurance. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals reduce cardiovascular risk by following a healthy diet, exercising often and not smoking.

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