Is taking a daily aspirin smart or dangerous?
Whether a daily aspirin is smart or dangerous depends entirely on your age and medical profile. Take aspirin only on a doctor's advice, and never stop or start it on your own.
A daily low-dose aspirin is a proven protection for some people and a real risk for others. Large bodies of evidence lead to clear recommendations, but these differ greatly depending on age.
Are you between 40 and 59 years old with a 10% or greater chance of a heart attack or stroke within ten years? The evidence shows a small but real benefit. This does involve a personal judgement call: people who have no elevated bleeding risk and take aspirin consistently have the best chance of a net gain.
Are you 60 or older without known heart or vascular disease? Do not start taking it. The risk of serious bleeding, such as in the stomach or brain, outweighs the possible benefits. That is a firm conclusion drawn from many studies in people.
Routine aspirin use around non-cardiac surgery is also not recommended. Studies in people show that it does not reduce the chance of heart-related complications during surgery, but does increase the risk of bleeding.
There are situations in which aspirin is genuinely useful. In pregnant women at high risk of pre-eclampsia (a dangerous pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure), a low dose reduces the risk of that complication, of premature birth, and of harm to mother and child. In the rare platelet disorder essential thrombocythaemia, aspirin is recommended to prevent blood clots. Gastroenterologists also note that aspirin may offer some protection against stomach cancer in people who already have a high cardiovascular risk, but that evidence is more limited and applies explicitly to a select group.
All claims are based on established medical guidelines and reviews, including a major U.S. preventive health guideline from 2022 and a set of European digestive health guidelines from 2023, as well as a study on aspirin use around the time of surgery. The overall strength of the evidence behind these recommendations is moderate.
Is loud snoring dangerous for my health?
Loud snoring is linked to serious health risks: hardening of the arteries, a higher chance of dying after a heart attack, and dangerous daytime sleepiness. If you snore loudly on a regular basis and feel tired during the day, get it checked by your GP.
Is atrial fibrillation dangerous, and what can I do about it?
Atrial fibrillation substantially raises your chances of dying, heart failure, and stroke, and calls for active treatment. Discuss blood thinners for stroke prevention with your doctor, as well as which lifestyle changes make sense in your particular case.
Is high blood pressure at night more dangerous than during the day?
High blood pressure at night is more dangerous than high blood pressure during the day. Have a 24-hour measurement taken if you are uncertain about your night-time values, and discuss with your doctor whether your treatment should be adjusted accordingly.
Does sitting all day increase your risk of heart problems?
Sitting a lot increases your risk of heart failure and heart-related mortality, even if you exercise regularly. Just 30 minutes less sitting per day produces a measurable improvement, so try to break up long periods of sitting regularly.
Is coffee good or bad for your heart?
For most healthy adults, three to four filtered cups per day is associated with a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels. Pregnant women are an important exception: for them, the maximum is around two cups per day.
Is the taurine in energy drinks harmful?
Taurine in energy drinks does not appear to be harmful in the short term, but the real risks lie in the caffeine and sugar. If you want a reason to avoid energy drinks, that is the right one.