It's one of a very small number of substances that is proven to reduce heart attack risk, the primary use nowadays. The low dose seems to be a decent balance be

It's one of a very small number of substances that is proven to reduce heart attack risk, the primary use nowadays. The low dose seems to be a decent balance between that and the increased risk of stomach issues, though only a clear benefit for people with significant risk of cardiovascular events. If that's not you, then yes, ignore aspirin. If heart attack is how you are almost certainly going to die based on generations of evidence (thanks, Ashkenazi ancestors!) then get to know your favorite brand of 81 mg chiclets, and carry a full pill in your pocket at all times so you can chew it if and when The Thing happens. Better: get a good cardiologist, and do everything they suggest, including the meds. Don't at all listen to people who say that staying in shape and eating healthy is enough, because for those of us with the wrong genes it absolutely is not: I'm young, in great shape, and keep a healthier diet than most dieticians would even suggest, but I still have to take meds to keep my numbers in line.