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(WJBK) - Millions of people take a daily low dose of aspirin, but a new study says that might not always be the right move.
The study looked at healthy Americans and Australians who were taking an aspirin a day, and examined the results. Researchers found, in some cases, the risks outweigh the benefits.
We talked with Dr. Souheil Sava with Ascension Providence Hospital to tell us more about how this could be. First off, he explained how the medicine works.
"Aspirin is a blood thinner. Even though it's over the counter and it's a simple medication, it's a blood thinner. It does prevent having a stroke or heart attack in certain populations," he said.
"The most important thing with this study, is that it was used for primary prevention, meaning that these patients did not have apparent heart disease," he said. "We're trying to prevent the first event and found out that these patients really did not benefit, and others suffered some increased risk of bleeding complications."
So, even though it's a widely available medicine, the bottom line is Dr. Sava says you shouldn't be taking it unless your doctor has recommended it.
"If somebody had a prior heart attack, they should be on an aspirin. On the other hand, a healthy person with no risk factors should probably avoid it -- or at least have a discussion about their physician before taking it."