The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released new recommendations for the use of low dose aspirin. In the new guidelines, the task force has rescinded it’s previous recommendations of using low dose aspirin for preventing heart attack in high risk heart patients as there is mounting evidence that patients who use low dose aspirin have an increased risk of life-threatening bleeding. The guidelines, which are not yet final, have the potential to affect tens of millions of adults who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, which continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, even in the age of Covid.
The decision does not mean that scientists and doctors were making recommendations off of bad information, yet they are making updated recommendations off of the most recent data. With people now better able to control risk factors like high blood pressure and using new drugs to keep cholesterol in check, the risks now outweigh the benefits of using low dose aspirin.
This leads one to ask, what are some of the most conservatives ways without using drugs to prevent cardiovascular disease? (As with any health recommendations, consult your physician before starting any new regimen):
Quit Smoking- Roughly 1 out of 5 deaths from heart disease is directly related to smoking. People who smoke are two to four times more likely to get heart disease.
Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acids A reduction in cardiovascular events and deaths among patients taking the prescription fish oil icosapent ethyl may be associated with higher blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Perform Regular Aerobic Exercise- A 2013 study noted that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a 21 percent reduction in coronary heart disease (CHD) events for men and a 29 percent reduction of CHD events in women.
Sleep 7-9 hours each night-Studies show that decreased sleep is associated with increase risk for hypertension and coronary heart disease.
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