Aspirin not safe to prevent heart disease - experts

Tuesday November 3rd, 2009

Aspirin should no longer be used to prevent heart disease and strokes, experts said today.

It should only be used by those with diagnosed heart disease, according to the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.

Growing numbers of guidelines have been issued in the last few years including aspirin as a weapon to prevent heart disease.

The bulletin says these have been issued for people with type 2 diabetes and those with high blood pressure over the age of 50.

It says this is not supported by evidence - especially because of the risk of serious stomach bleeds.

The findings were backed today by the British Heart Foundation.

June Davison, BHF senior cardiac nurse, said: "It is well established that aspirin can help prevent heart attacks and strokes among people with heart and circulatory disease - so this group of people should continue to take aspirin as prescribed by their doctor.

"However, for those who do not have heart and circulatory disease the risk of serious bleeding outweighs the potential preventative benefits of taking aspirin."

She added: "We advise people not to take aspirin daily, unless they check with their doctor. The best way to reduce your risk of developing this disease is to avoid smoking, eat a diet low in saturated fat and rich in fruit and vegetables and take regular physical activity."

The bulletin, edited by Dr Ike Iheanacho, urges doctors to review all patients taking low-dose aspirin as a preventative measure.

It states: "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."

Aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin vol 47; No 11, November 2009.

Tags: Heart Health | Pharmaceuticals | UK News

Printer friendly page