Low-Dose Aspirin: Risks & Benefits of Long-Term Use

Question
My husband is 35 and put himself on a low-dose aspirin regimen (not ordered by the doctor).  Rather  than getting into the reason he has done this - I just want to know if there are any risks associated with the long term use of a low dose aspirin.  Thank you inadvance.

Answer
Karen,

Low dose aspirin is relatively safe.  Used by thousands of people daily with heart disease and stroke risk to lessen the likelyhood of an event.  By lose dose it means 81 mg which can be taken once daily or once every-other-day to inactivate platelets.  Enteric coating helps protect the stomach.  Risks include errosive esophagitis or errosive gastritis (but that is rare with low dose).

JP Saleeby, MD