I take 325 milligrams (mg) of aspirin daily to protect my heart. Will an 81-mg aspirin provide as much protection? —D.O., Portland, Maine 

Yes, and the lower dose is safer, too. Daily aspirin at either dose can cut your risk of a first heart attack by about 30 percent by reducing the blood’s tendency to clot. But while the higher dose increases the risk of dangerous bleeding in the gut, studies have not found that it provides more protection. So baby aspirin should give you the same benefit with less risk. As with any medication change, talk with your doctor before making the switch.