I recently read an expert source that suggested that the benefits of aspirin were so mild that these benefits were countered by the increased risks of bleeding and such that are known to be associated with aspirin use.
I take one 325 mg tablet per day per Dr’s orders. In addition to the blood thinning capability, which is real, the total benefits are not known. The anti inflammatory properties are beneficial in preventing arterial inflammation and associated platet clogging.
Additionally, I carry a small Altoids tin with two 325 mg aspirin tablets to be chewed at the first indication of heart attack or stroke. It is my cardiac first aid kit. I never leave home with out it.
It depends on the questions.
Aspirin for primary prevention of myocardial infarction: what is the evidence?
CONCLUSIONS: This analysis does not support a general recommendation for the use of aspirin for primary prevention of MI and also suggests that effective management of risk factors in accordance with current guidelines may attenuate any potential benefit from aspirin with respect to MI. However, there may be a modest benefit in postmenopausal women with respect to stroke.[Evidence-based management of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Latest guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2010].
Secondary prevention? You betcha! Unless you have an aspirin allergy or have knowledge that you're in roughly twenty percent of the population that are aspirin resistant. The Germans are going with dual antiplatelet therapy for a year.
(ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction refers to electrocardiogram findings in a typical "heart atack.")(ASA = aspirin)