[ad_1]
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Healthy people who take aspirin every day to prevent heart attacks later in their lives could do more harm than good, according to a recent study.
For decades, aspirin has been used to treat cardiac patients, to stop heart attacks and strokes. But many healthy middle-aged people take aspirin pills as an "insurance policy" against heart problems.
A large new study, including data from more than 160,000 people, concluded that the risk of major internal bleeding far outweighed the benefits of aspirin in people without heart disease.
The study, led by experts from King & # 39; s College London, shows more and more that aspirin is no longer needed for primary prevention, a term used to treat patients without heart problems.
The researchers found that the risk of heart attack in healthy patients using aspirin had decreased by 11%, with an increased risk of bleeding by 43%. Which means that 265 people will need to take aspirin for 5 years to prevent a heart attack or stroke, but one in 210 people will suffer from significant bleeding.
"This study shows that there is not enough evidence to recommend aspirin in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes in people without cardiovascular disease," he said. Dr. Shin Zheng, a university researcher in cardiology.
The team found that the situation was more complicated for diabetics, who are more likely to have heart disease and to whom aspirin is often prescribed.
The use of aspirin requires a discussion between the patient and his doctor, knowing that any possible small cardiovascular benefit is outweighed by the real risk of serious bleeding.
Ten years ago, a series of major studies began to reveal the risk of major bleeding and guidelines were changed to eliminate the official recommendation, but many doctors still prescribe medication.
"Aspirin is not recommended for people who do not have heart disease or circulatory system," said Professor Jeremy Pearson, deputy medical director of the British Heart Foundation. "While aspirin reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes, serious bleeding".
It is thought that the risk of aspirin bleeding varies among groups of people and further research may reveal individuals who see benefits above risks, opening the way to personal remedies.
Source: Daily Mail
[ad_2]
Source link
