An aspirin a day keeps the doctor away...but the answer is not entirely straightforward. Now experts have given their verdict and here is a simple guideline.

YOU SHOULD BE TAKING DAILY ASPIRIN IF.....

1. You are middle aged with a family bowel cancer history
2. You have suffered a heart attack
3. You have suffered a stroke or TIA (mini Stroke)
4. If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant and taking a flight of more than six hours (three days before and three days after the flight)
5. You have history of pre-ecla.mpsia (swelling of feet, high blood pressure and protein in urine during pregnancy) In subsequent pregnancy aspirin is recommended.
6. Women who have suffered three or more unexplained miscarriages should ask their doctor to have test for Hughes syndrome.

 DO NOT BOTHER TAKING DAILY ASPIRIN IF........

1. You live unhealthy life as aspirin will counter act these bad habits
2. You are worried about breast cancer
3. Are worried about deep vein thrombosis (DVT: blood clotting in veins) after an operation

 WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

• Your daily dose should not exceed 81 mg per day after food
• Those with history of stomach ulcer should take aspirin only after discussing with your doctor
• Aspirin can cause asthma attacks in 10% of adults If you suffer from asthma talk to your doctor before taking aspirin even for headache
• If you have allergy to aspirin, bleeding disorder, or bleeds easily talk to your doctor before taking aspirin