Aspirin: Over 60s shouldn’t use it to prevent first heart attack – internal bleeding risk

The first to recommend against the use of aspirin for prevention of a first heart attack was the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The USPTF then updated its guidance to match this advice.

Speaking to ABC News, Dr Michael Barry, USPTF’s vice-chair, said: “Based on current evidence, the task force recommends against people 60 and older starting to take aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke.

“Because the chance of internal bleeding increases with age, the potential harms of aspirin use cancel out the benefits in this age group.”