Aspirin, just for heart patients
People who have no obvious cardiovascular problems should not take aspirin as protection, says a study.
Investigation of Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB)-Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, says that the drug can cause severe internal bleeding and does not prevent death from cardiovascular disease (disorders of the heart and blood vessels).
He added that doctors should carry out a review of all patients currently taking aspirin as a protective measure against heart disease. Eating a low-dose daily aspirin is already widely used to prevent episodes of these disorders in people who have had problems such as heart attacks or strokes.
This approach, known as “secondary prevention is well established and past research has confirmed its benefits.
However, it is believed that many thousands of people in several countries taking the drug as a protective measure against cardiovascular disease before showing any symptoms.
“There is growing scientific evidence shows that benefits can not be identified by the use of aspirin in patients who have suffered heart attacks or strokes in the past,” the BBC said Dr. Ike Ikeanacho, editor of the DTB.
“At best, aspirin has a slight potential benefit in these people. But this benefit is offset by a real risk of the drug, including internal bleeding,” adds the scientist.
Evidence on the rise
Between 2005 and 2008, the DTB-British publication that is responsible for evaluating treatments and drugs used in the clinic, says that four guides were published recommending aspirin as primary prevention “of cardiovascular disease, ie patients had shown no signs of the disorder.
These included persons 50 years and older with type 2 diabetes and those with hypertension.
However, the DTB says now that a recent analysis of six controlled trials involving a total of 95,000 patients, published in the Lancet medical journal, does not support the routine use of aspirin in these patients.
This is because, he says, the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding and the negligible impact that has the drug in reducing mortality rates.
The authors claim that severe internal bleeding may be as dangerous as a heart attack and even be lethal.
According to Dr. Ikeanacho, the main problem with this approach is that many around the world taking the drug on their own, ie without consulting your doctor.
“These people believe that by eating a daily aspirin are doing good to your health. But our recommendation is that you first speak with your doctor or pharmacist and discuss the latest evidence, to make an informed decision about using the drug,” warns the doctor.
Informed decision
This study emphasizes the researcher, not saying that aspirin is dangerous for all patients, because certainly those who have suffered heart problems can benefit from it.
“This is a situation that must balance the risks and benefits,” explains the researcher.
“In the past it was thought that the benefits of aspirin as primary prevention-even-outweighed the risk for internal bleeding.
“But what we’re saying today is that the latest scientific evidence did not support that belief, and that the drug’s risks outweigh any benefits,” he adds.
The Royal College of General Practitioners of UK supported the recommendation of the DTB.
“Given the evidence, the report of DTB on the consumption of aspirin is very sensible,” says Professor Steve Field, chairman of the body.
“The Royal College of General Practitioners supports the request of DTB to the current recommendations on the prescription of aspirin are corrected and that doctors carry out a review of the patients currently taking aspirin as a prevention method,” says official.
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