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Study supports low dose aspirin as safer alternative for daily heart therapy. Higher doses of aspirin linked with increased risk of bleeding.

The largest study ever conducted comparing the safety and efficacy of different ranges of aspirin doses suggests that patients taking higher doses of aspirin everyday to help prevent a heart attack or stroke may be taking more than they need. The CURE study, which surveyed over 12,500 patients in 28 different countries provides strong evidence that lower doses of aspirin are just as effective as higher doses, but safer. CURE stands for (Clopidogrel in Unstable Angina to Prevent Recurrent Ischemic Events).

Patients given aspirin doses of 200 milligrams or more were almost twice as likely to experience major bleeding complications.

"Dose does matter," as those given doses of 100 mg or less. The study was published online in Circulation.

The study has significant implications for many people on or considering aspirin therapy. This study suggests that many of these individuals may be taking significantly more aspirin than they need and exposing themselves to greater risk of major bleeding complications. "Dose does matter," says Roger Blumenthal, M.D., FACC and Director, Preventive Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University. "This is by far the largest in a growing number of studies indicating that bleeding risks associated with daily aspirin therapy are dose dependent. These data will help identify the appropriate dose of aspirin for many patients on long-term cardiovascular therapy."

These findings are the latest results from a broader study comparing different doses of aspirin alone to the combination of aspirin and the prescription blood thinner Clopidogrel. The aspirin-only arm of the study builds upon a mounting body of evidence indicating that bleeding risks associated with daily aspirin therapy are dose dependent. The research divided patients into three groups according to dose, which was assigned by their physician. Those individuals receiving aspirin doses of 100mg or less had the lowest incidence of major bleeding complications at 1.9%. Those taking doses of 200mg or more experienced nearly twice the incidence of bleeding at 3.7%.

Cardiovascular disease ranks as America's number one killer, claiming the lives of nearly 1 million Americans each year. Individuals who should consider aspirin therapy include men over 40, postmenopausal women, smokers, and patients with diabetes, hypertension, a family history of cardiovascular disease, or other risk factors.

"If you are currently on an aspirin therapy, or believe you may be at risk, it is important to talk to your doctor," explains Dr. Blumenthal. "This study suggests that for many patients, a low dose aspirin like St. Joseph® 81mg may be appropriate since it provides effective cardiovascular protection with significantly less risk of serious bleeding."

In the United States, low dose aspirin was first introduced by the makers of St. Joseph in its memorable 81mg orange flavored tablets for children. Today, that very same St. Joseph Aspirin can help millions of adults reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke.

St. Joseph Aspirin has been a trusted part of America's family life since 1922 and was reintroduced in 2001 for adult aspirin therapy. The makers of St. Joseph have begun a health education campaign to raise the awareness of the benefits of low dose aspirin and to encourage Americans who may be at risk for heart disease to talk with their doctors. To learn more about your risk factors for cardiovascular disease, take the online health risk assessment, and share the results with your doctor.

Learn more about the latest news on aspirin therapy