A new study (JAMA Network Open, Sept. 19, 2022) suggests that taking aspirin alongside a blood thinner isn’t advisable. The study included 6,738 people with no history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), mean age 62, who were treated at anticoagulation clinics for blood clots and/or atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause stroke). Study participants were treated with warfarin (Coumadin®) but also took aspirin. Pharmacists reviewed each participant’s history and suggested that their doctor discontinue aspirin if there was no approved indication for it. Over a 10-year follow-up, aspirin use among participants decreased by 46.6 percent. With aspirin used less commonly, the risk of a bleeding complication dropped by 32.3 percent (amounting to one major bleeding event prevented per every 1,000 people who stopped taking aspirin). If you take a blood thinner and aspirin, ask your doctor if both drugs are needed. Note that aspirin is recommended for people with existing CVD who are at risk for or have already suffered a heart attack or stroke. Until recently many people also took it to prevent a first heart attack or stroke (known as primary prevention), but the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently advised against this. If you are taking the drug for primary prevention, talk to your doctor about stopping.

Oh Deer…

If deer regularly visit your backyard, beware: The white-tailed deer common in the northeastern United States spread ticks that transmit Lyme disease. A study (Urban Ecosystems, Sept. 17, 2022) suggests that deer in suburban environments often sleep within 50 meters of homes. If you’ve seen deer nearby, protect yourself against tick bites by cutting your grass short, spraying for ticks, and using tick repellent. Also examine yourself and any pets for ticks after spending time in the yard. Lyme disease typically causes a bullseye-shaped rash around a tick bite, but the rash doesn’t develop in about 20 percent of people. If you have other possible signs of Lyme disease (e.g., flu-like symptoms and joint pain), mention the symptoms to your doctor.

Rise and Shine for a Mood and Cognition Boost

Your mood and cognition may benefit if you consistently get up early and remain active throughout the day, according to new research (JAMA Psychiatry, Aug. 31, 2022). The study included 1,800 older adults whose movements were tracked for seven days using motion-detecting devices. At the end of the tracking period, the participants completed questionnaires to assess depression symptoms and cognitive function. About 38 percent of the participants rose early in the morning and stayed active throughout the day. Compared with participants who had less robust activity patterns, the more active early risers were happier, less depressed and had better cognitive function. The findings suggest that patterns of activity—not just activity intensity—are important for healthy aging and mental health. However, the study did not show cause and effect, and it is possible that people with lower activity levels were in poor health.

CPAP Benefits CVD

Consistent use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device by people with known cardivascular disease (CVD) and newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a lower likelihood of rehospitalization, according to a new study (Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Sept. 21, 2022). The study looked at 1,301 Medicare recipients, mean age 73. All had CVD, were newly diagnosed with OSA between 2009 and 2013, initiated CPAP, and were hospitalized. Over a two-year follow-up, the 30-day readmission rate in those who had high adherence to CPAP use was 60 percent lower than for those with low adherence. The study did not investigate the cause of the initial or subsequent hospitalizations. OSA involves repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep and occurs in up to 60 percent of people with CVD. CPAP therapy delivers a stream of air through a mask to help keep the airway open during sleep.

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