Government panel backs aspirin for some people in their 50s

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WPVI) -- Many people who survive a heart attack take an aspirin every day to prevent another.

Now a government panel says it might help some people avoid their FIRST heart attack or stroke.

The preventive services task force says people in their 50s could benefit from daily aspirin, IF they have a HIGH risk of heart disease and a LOW risk of bleeding.

Potential candidates should have at least a 10 percent risk of a heart attack or stroke over the next decade, have a life expectancy of at least 10 years and be willing to take daily aspirin that long, and not have other health conditions that cause bleeding, the guidelines said.

That's because prolonged aspirin use can trigger serious bleeding, in the gastrointestinal tract or brain.

The benefit isn't as strong for those in their 60s.

And while studies suggest years of daily aspirin use may lower the risk of colon cancer, no major health organizations recommend taking it solely for that reason.

The new draft guidelines are controversial. Last year, the FDA ruled there wasn't enough evidence to support aspirin for first heart attacks.

And some leading cardiologists, including Dr. Steve Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic, say the risk of bleeding in the stomach or brain is too high.

"For most people who have not developed heart disease, taking an aspirin to prevent heart disease is not the right thing to do," says Dr. Nissen/

The new task force guidelines are open for comment till mid-October.