Those over 60 at risk of developing heart disease should not start a daily low-dose aspirin regimen to prevent a first heart attack because the risk of internal bleeding outweighs its benefits, a panel of US experts recommended.

The proposed recommendation is based on mounting evidence that the risk of serious side effects far outweighs the benefit of what was once considered a remarkably cheap weapon in the fight against heart disease.

The US panel also plans to withdraw its 2016 recommendation to take a baby aspirin to prevent colorectal cancer, a guideline that was groundbreaking at the time. 

The panel now argues that the most recent data raise questions about the benefits in cancer prevention and more research is needed.

The new recommendation does not include people who have previously had a heart attack or stroke and who take daily aspirin to prevent a subsequent cardiovascular event. 

According to the group of US experts, they should continue with the same pattern unless their doctor tells them otherwise.

Aspirin, used for decades for pain and fever, is available over the counter without a prescription and was considered a convenient and inexpensive option to help those at risk of developing serious heart problems.

“For people in their 40s, we, in 2016, weren’t sure if they should or should not take aspirin. We now find that some people may benefit from aspirin. So they should have a discussion with their clinician to see if aspirin is right for them,” said John Wong, one of the panel members.

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