Researchers at the University of Michigan say that aspirin therapy for heart treatment is four times less effective for women than men.

In a press release, researchers say that aspirin can bring down the risk of a nonfatal heart attack or stroke by as much as 23 percent. This benefit has led to nearly 20 million men and women taking a low dose of aspirin for controlling their heart disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reportedly rejected a request by Merck and Co. on Friday to market Arcoxia, a successor to its withdrawn arthritis drug Vioxx in the United States after a 20-1 vote some weeks ago.

Arcoxia falls in the same category of drugs as Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex that have been withdrawn from the market in September 2004, after studies showed they doubled the risk for heart attack and stroke

A new study has found that women who take aspirin in low to moderate doses may lower the risk of death from heart disease. A 24-year study of nearly 80,000 women suggests that aspirin is especially beneficial for those who are older and prone to cardiac disease.

The study, which appears in Archives of Internal Medicine, said the benefits were associated with taking low or moderate doses of aspirin. High doses (two or more standard 325-milligram) do not give any more benefits. However many experts have also advised women should not take aspirin as a health preventive without talking to their doctor

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has issued a warning for people taking aspirin or painkillers to try to prevent colon cancer. Research suggests that people at average risk for colon cancer put themselves at a greater risk of bleeding and other potential health problems by taking aspirin.

The STF panel, which evaluates clinical research for its preventive value, says consuming over 300 milligrams a day of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increases the possibility of stroke, intestinal bleeding, or kidney failure

he American Heart Association has updated its guidelines for preventing heart disease in women, offering specific precautions to help protect against heart disease and stroke.

The guide, which is published in Tuesday's issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association (AHA), was last updated in 2004. This time around, the guide emphasizes the importance of focusing on the "lifetime risk" as opposed to differentiating between different age groups among women