Aspirin has been hailed as a ‘wonder’ drug that millions of people, including a significant number that are healthy, are believed to take the drug daily to protect their heart.
Experts, however, are saying now that for those who are not diagnosed to have cardiovascular disease they should avoid taking the drug.
Large-scale study mentioned in the Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) showed aspirin did not significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack in healthy people. But the drug did almost double their chances of being admitted to hospital with internal bleeding.
Doctors should review their aspirin use with all patients they think are taking the drug, including diabetics and otherwise healthy people buying it over the counter, DTB recommends.
Low-dose aspirin is widely used to prevent further episodes of cardiovascular disease in people who have already had problems such as a heart attack or stroke.
Dr. Ike Ikeanacho, editor of the DTB, said: “Current evidence for primary prevention suggests the benefits and harms of aspirin in this setting may be more finely balanced than previously thought, even in individuals estimated to be at high risk of experiencing cardiovascular events, including those with diabetes or elevated blood pressure.”
Professor Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “Given the evidence, the DTB’s statement on aspirin prescription is a sensible one.
[via bbc.co.uk]
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