Tuesday Feb 9, 2016 (foodconsumer.org) -- Studies suggest that taking aspirin daily can significantly reduce risk for cardiovascular disease events and cancer, even though it can increase risk of gastriointestinal bleeding and intracranial bleeding.   

Aspirin is a NSAID (anti-inflammatory) and blood thinner.  It is often used to treat pain, fever, headache, and inflammation.  Inflammation is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Because of the potential adverse effect, it is important to use the optimal dose of aspirin that can deliver the maximum protective effect against cardiovascular disease while rendering a minimum side effect.

A review of aspirin efficacy and safety data from U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reports indicates an average daily dose of 100 mg most likely reduces risk of death, cancer, and death from cancer although higher doses produce a higher efficacy against  cardiovascular disease events.   A daily dose of 100 mg or less can be better tolerated.

Also coated aspirin preparations seem to be more beneficial for death, cancer death, cancer incidence and gastrointestinal bleeding.  In comparison, controlled release preparations are more protective against cardiovascular disease.  Non-coated aspirin seems to be less likely to cause intracranial bleeding.

The review was based on data from 104,101 subjects in 11 randomized trials that lasted on average 60 months.

Other preventative measures are also available.  For instance, plant-based diet may be effective at preventing many cases of cardiovascular disease.  A plant-based diet can actually reverse coronary heart disease completely in nearly100% of patients, according to the book China Study, authored by Cornell University nutritionist Dr. Collin T Campbell.  (David Liu)

Marzia Lotrionte, Luigi M. Biasucci, Mariangela Peruzzi, Giacomo Frati, Arturo Giordano, Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai, Which Aspirin Dose and Preparation is Best for the Long-Term Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer? Evidence from a Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis, Progress in Cardiovascular Disease, Published online: February 3 2016