People over 70 should not take aspirin every day if they are in good health, according to major study findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
While there are clinical benefits for those who have already suffered from heart attacks and strokes, aspirin can increase the risk of potentially fatal internal bleeding for those self-medicating.
‘It means millions of healthy older people around the world who are taking low dose aspirin without a medical reason, may be doing so unnecessarily, because the study showed no overall benefit to offset the risk of bleeding,’ said Professor John McNeil of Monash University, Australia, one of the study's researchers.
‘These findings will help inform prescribing doctors who have long been uncertain about whether to recommend aspirin to healthy patients.’
The study l 19,114 participants from both the US and Australia who were in good health, had no history of heart problems and were over 70 years old. Half of the group were given a daily dose of 100mg of aspirin for a period of 4.7 years.
Those in the aspirin group experienced more internal bleeding – 3.8% had serious medical conditions such as stroke and gastrointestinal bleeds, whereas only 2.7% did in the placebo group.
Three published articles demonstrated that there was no reduced risk of heart health problems or other benefits – but there was an increase in major stomach bleeds.
Many people take aspirin even if they have not suffered from a heart attack or stroke to reduce the risk of cancer – there is continuing research into this benefit.
‘Taking aspirin if you are otherwise healthy, over the age of 70, if you haven't had a previous heart attack or stroke, is really of very little benefit,’ said Professor Peter Rothwell of Oxford University.
‘And so self-medicating with aspirin in the absence of a definite medical indication isn't advisable.’ Prof Rothwell added that those taking aspirin who have concerns should discuss their medication with their GP.