Routine asparin might “cause more harm than good”
Researchers have warned that healthy people who take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke could actually be doing themselves more harm than good.
The Archives of Internal Medicine last week published a UK-led study of more than 100,000 patients, which concluded that regular users of the tablets are risking the development of internal bleeding. As a result, the researchers have asserted that only people with a history of heart problems or strokes should consider taking the tablets, suggesting that any decision should be made with a doctor.
Aspirin is commonly used worldwide, with roughly 100 billion tablets consumed globally each year. It is typically prescribed to those who have had a heart attack or stroke because it contains ingredients that stop platelet cells from sticking together. This therefore prevents blood clots from forming, which in turn reduces the risk of further heart attacks or strokes. Indeed, there have also been suggestions that the drug can help prevent some cancers.
However, aspirin is known to increase the chance of internal bleeding, including bleeds on the brain, which has prompted the discussion as to whether at-risk or even healthy people should be taking it.
In the recent study, researchers analysed data from nine trials with 102,621 patients. They found that while there was a 20% reduction in non-fatal heart attacks in people taking aspirin, there was actually no reduction in deaths from heart attack, stroke or cancer. In fact, they found the risk of potentially life-threatening internal bleeding increased by 30%.
Lead researcher Prof. Kausik Ray summarised: “If you treat 73 people for about six years, you will get one of these non-trivial bleeds, and if you treat about 160 people for the same period of time, you’re preventing one heart attack that probably wouldn’t have been fatal anyway. This suggests that the net benefit for aspirin is not there, it certainly doesn’t prolong life. If you think about it […] actually there is net harm.”
In response to these findings, Natasha Stewart, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, advised that “those with known heart disease should continue to take aspirin as prescribed by their doctor, but those who don’t have symptomatic or diagnosed heart disease shouldn’t, because the risk of internal bleeding may outweigh the benefits.”
She concluded, “If you’re taking prescribed aspirin and have any concerns, don’t simply stop taking it. Always talk to your doctor first.”
These new findings serve as an important reminder that we can not simply rely on medicine to protect our health. The uncertainty surrounding aspirin suggests that it is clearly no substitute for a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet and regular exercise, which will undoubtedly assist in the maintenance of our heart health. That said, it remains vital to have adequate healthcare cover in place should you need it, particularly for expatriates. William Russell’s comprehensive Global Health plans represent a valuable safety net in times of illness or injury, so to discuss them further, click here to request a call-back from a member of our team or click here for an online quote.
Source- BBC News, 9 Jan 12
