Contents
Taking aspirin prophylactically is much more dangerous than previously thought. A new study shows that in the UK alone, it is responsible for XNUMX deaths each year.
British researchers warn that elderly people who take low-dose aspirin daily to protect themselves from heart attacks and strokes – nearly half of seniors taking this treatment – should carefully consider the consequences of such treatment. An analysis by scientists at the University of Oxford found that among people over 75 who regularly take aspirin to thin the blood. Up to 10 times more often than younger patients, they suffer from hemorrhages that can lead to disability or death.
Scientists’ observations show that in Great Britain, aspirin is consumed by about 40 percent. retired – half of them have had a heart attack or stroke, the rest are taking the drug preventively. Many doctors praise the benefits of aspirin therapy and its effectiveness in preventing not only heart disease but some cancers as well.
Not that perfect
It has long been known that a serious side effect of aspirin is an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The latest study, published in the prestigious Lancet magazine, however, indicates that the risk increases much more with age than previously believed.
The author of the study, prof. Peter Rothwell of the University of Oxford found that regular use of aspirin causes about 20 hemorrhages and at least 3 deaths each year. – It is clear from research and clinical tests that aspirin is effective in preventing repeated heart attacks and strokes – says Prof. Rothwell. – Regular use of aspirin allows you to avoid up to 20 percent. repeated heart attacks and strokes. – Nevertheless, blood-thinning preparations such as aspirin also have to be assigned about 3 deaths due to severe hemorrhage among patients of all age groups – the researcher notes and warns that the risk of bleeding is clearly higher among people over 75 years of age.
The scientist emphasizes that all patients after a heart attack should continue taking aspirin every day, but people over 75 years of age should take proton pump inhibitors with this drug, which reduce the risk of hemorrhages by up to 90%. The study involved 3166 patients who had had a heart attack or stroke. Most of them took small doses of aspirin every day.
Because it’s better to set aside
Bleeding leading to disability or death was reported in less than 0,5% of patients under 65 years of age, while in the 75-84 age group the risk was 1,5%, and in people over 85 years of age as much as 2,5%. The study found that over a decade, people over the age of 75 had a six-fold risk of fatal bleeding and a tenfold risk of disabling or life-threatening bleeding compared to younger patients. The percentage of people who suffered a disability as a result of a haemorrhage, or whose disability worsened, increased from 3%. up to 25 percent in the age group over 75.
The researcher believes that people who have not had a heart attack or stroke with age should stop taking aspirin. Its regular use is of “little benefit” to middle-aged people – it lowers the risk of heart disease and some cancers – but as people age, the risk far outweighs the potential benefits, the researcher warns. – It would be wiser to stop taking aspirin before the age of seventy, because at this age the risk of bleeding increases significantly and may outweigh the benefits of treatment with this preparation – says prof. Rothwell.
Scientists caution not to stop taking aspirin overnight and without consulting your doctor. – You cannot stop the therapy unexpectedly, you should slowly get used to aspirin – says prof. Rothwell, explaining that abruptly stopping the drug can put you at a very high risk of heart attack and stroke.
Dr. Tim Chico, a cardiologist at the University of Sheffield, argues that the risks associated with regular aspirin use have long been neglected. “While bleeding is a well-known side effect of aspirin, many people still consider it safe because it’s widely available and can be bought over the counter,” he says. – Each drug has its advantages and disadvantages, the same with aspirin.
Coronary heart disease, what should you know about it?
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in most Western countries. It is caused by atherosclerosis, a disease where cholesterol and other lipids build up in the arteries. Cholesterol deposits in the arteries reduce their capacity and obstruct the blood supply to the heart. The atherosclerotic process leads to hardening of the arteries.
Many risk factors are related to lifestyle and chronic diseases – the most dangerous are smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of coronary heart disease.
The most common symptoms of ischemic heart disease:
- Chest pain – can be mild, sometimes it feels like indigestion.
- Significant narrowing of the arteries can lead to a heart attack
- Heart palpitations
- Dyspnea, breathing problems
Management of ischemic heart disease:
Coronary heart disease is a symptomatic syndrome for which there is no cure. You can only alleviate its symptoms to improve quality of life and modify some risk factors to avoid future problems.
Procedure:
- Changing your lifestyle – a healthy diet, increasing physical activity and quitting smoking can help prevent the further effects of coronary heart disease.
- Drugs – the goal of drug therapy is to reduce high blood pressure and slow down the atherosclerotic process. The most commonly used are beta-blockers, nitrates and calcium channel antagonists.
- Surgical treatment – if lifestyle changes and medications are not enough, the only solution is surgical treatment consisting in the widening and restoration of arteries, or the implantation of vascular bypass grafts.