The frequent use of aspirin can lead to increased bleeding

A new study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that taking aspirin on a regular basis to prevent heart attacks and strokes can result in an increased risk of almost 50% during major bleeding episodes.

The systematic review conducted by scientists from King's College London and King's College Hospital examined the general effects on patients not suffering from known cardiovascular disease. They found that if he was badociated with a lower risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events, he was at an increased risk of major bleeding.

Although it is known that aspirin reduces the risk for those who have already had a stroke or heart attack, its role in the initial prevention of cardiovascular events is uncertain.

This study examined the results of trials involving over 1,000 participants with no known history of cardiovascular disease and 12-month follow-up. Participants included people taking aspirin and others taking a placebo or having no treatment.

The results showed that:

• The use of aspirin was badociated with a risk of cardiovascular events reduced by 11%.
• About 250 patients had to be treated with aspirin for 5 years to prevent a single heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death.
• The use of aspirin was badociated with 43% of major bleeding, compared to those who did not take it.
• About one in every 200 people treated with aspirin would have significant bleeding.
• No effects have been observed with aspirin on new cancer diagnoses or deaths.

Lead author, Dr. Sean Zheng, a clinical cardiology clinical researcher at King's College London, said, "This study demonstrates that there is insufficient evidence to recommend systematic use of drugs." Aspirin in the prevention of heart attacks, strokes and deaths from cardiovascular disease in people without cardiovascular disease.

"There was more uncertainty about what should be done in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease and in diabetic patients.This study shows that, even though cardiovascular events can be reduced in these patients, these benefits are badociated with an increased risk of major bleeding.

"The use of aspirin requires a discussion between the patient and his doctor, knowing that potential potential cardiovascular benefits are badessed relative to the actual risk of serious bleeding."

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