Experts warn of daily aspirin risks

Experts have warned that healthy people should not take a daily does of aspirin to prevent a heart attack as the risk of internal bleeding outweighs the potential benefits.

Previous studies concluded that taking aspirin regularly may ward off a second heart attack or stroke in patients who have already had one.

Dr Ike Iheanacho said in the Drug And Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) that people with no signs of cardiovascular disease should not take the drug daily because of the risk of internal bleeding of the stomach.

His comments follow a study by British scientists which found regular aspirin use could do more harm than good among people who have not already had a heart attack or stroke.

Dr Iheanacho said patients who have already had cardiovascular problems should continue to take aspirin if they have been prescribed the medication, but called on doctors to review giving it to other people.

Dr Iheanacho, DTB editor, said: "We believe that the available evidence does not justify the routine use of low-dose aspirin for the primary prevention of CVD in apparently healthy individuals, including those with elevated blood pressure or diabetes; this is because of the potential risk of serious bleeds and lack of effect on mortality."

Copyright Press Association 2009