Though TV commercials endlessly promote the use of aspirin to ward off heart attack and stroke, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says daily aspirin therapy isn't for everyone. Most health professionals feel that long-term daily use of aspirin in healthy people is unnecessary, the agency says. While aspirin can help those at risk of heart attack or stroke by preventing the formation of dangerous clots, unwanted side effects could also include stomach bleeding, bleeding in the brain, and kidney failure, the FDA says. Before you begin long-term use of any over-the-counter drug, talk with your doctor.
