A baby aspirin a day is healthy; but more than that can be dangerous

HEART DISEASE

An aspirin a day can be good for your heart, but just how much aspirin has never been determined. Now, after an extensive review of past studies, a team of scientists reports that a daily dose of 75 to 81 milligrams -- the amount in a baby aspirin -- is sufficient to prevent blood clots that can lead to heart attacks and strokes, and that higher doses taken long-term might actually be harmful.

The researchers, led by Charles Campbell of the University of Kentucky's Gill Heart Institute, reviewed 11 clinical trials and observational studies including more than 40,000 people. While doses of 162 to 325 milligrams (the strength of an adult aspirin) were found appropriate for acute situations in which platelet formation needs to be blocked quickly, taking such doses on a daily basis over a period of years was associated with gastrointestinal bleeding. Doses of 81 and 325 milligrams are most commonly prescribed in the United States, although the evidence clearly favors the lower amount, Campbell says. On a daily basis, "an uncoated 81-milligram tablet is the way to go."

BOTTOM LINE: A baby aspirin taken daily is sufficient to protect against cardiovascular disease while minimizing the risk of complications.

CAUTIONS: The scientists acknowledge that individual responses to aspirin might vary, and that more research is needed to determine if higher doses might be warranted in some cases.

WHAT'S NEXT: Campbell and his colleagues are currently testing combinations of aspirin with other antiplatelet and anti clotting agents for benefits and possible side effects.

WHERE TO FIND IT: Journal of the American Medical Association, May 9.

AMI ALBERNAZ