A United States task force announced that people in their 50s and 60s who are at increased risks of stroke and heart disease can take a daily low-dose of aspirin. The dose can help such people prevent stroke or heart attack, and can protect them against colon cancer, the government task force added.

On Monday, the US Preventive Services Task Force said it has recommended low-dose of aspirin under some guidelines and only for some people. People between the ages of 50 and 59 years who are at high risk of heart disease and low risk of bleeding side effects could take daily low-dose of aspirin, but they have to meet a list of criteria.

According to the guidelines by the government task force, the aspirin dose is strongly recommended for people 50-somethings, but individuals who are in their 60s should ask their doctors before deciding to take low-dose of aspirin. The guidelines also said that people aged 60 should expect smaller benefits from the dosage.

The guidelines said, “Potential candidates should have at least a 10% risk of 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”.

Dr. Douglas Owens, professor at Stanford University and member of the US Preventive Services Task Force, said people who are thinking to take low dose of aspirin should be aware of the benefits and harms it can pose.