Mount Sinai South Nassau presents:

TRUTH IN MEDICINE

A: It depends. Research shows that daily aspirin therapy can be a lifesaving option, but it’s not for everyone. The benefits and risks are different for one person than for another.

Aspirin can help prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries. It can help certain people lower their risk of a heart attack or stroke. However, most doctors won’t recommend that you take even a low-dose (baby) aspirin daily unless you already have had a heart attack or stroke.

Don’t start taking an aspirin every day on your own. Aspirin may seem simple and safe. But aspirin like all medicines — has its benefits and risks. And although taking an occasional aspirin or two is safe for most adults to use for headaches, body aches or fever, daily use of aspirin can have serious side effects, including stomach bleeding.

Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of daily aspirin use to prevent heart attacks or stroke.