London: Healthy people who use aspirin as a
precaution against heart attack might do more harm than good,
warns a review study.
"Taking the drug daily in the belief that it is a way to
protect against heart attack or stroke can lead to serious
abdominal problems including internal bleedings," said the
study published in medical journal Drugs and Therapeutics
Bulletin (DTB).
Asserting that stomach bleeding could be fatal, Ike
Ikeanacho, editor of DTB said, "the risks should not be
dismissed. In people who have never had a heart attack or
stroke, the evidence does not support them being on this
drug."
Pointing out that many healthy people take aspirin every
day as a precaution, Ikeanacho said though they don`t have any
precise figures but it is very common for people to start
themselves on aspirin.
"While some people would continue to take the drug no
matter what the risks, most were unaware of its potentially
dangerous side-effects," he added.
Asking doctors to review use of aspirin with all patients
they think are taking the drug, including diabetics and
otherwise healthy people, the study said those persons who
have already had a heart attack can continue with the drug if
prescribed by their doctor.
The drug is currently prescribed to those who have
already had a heart attack and diabetics over 50 years of age
and having blood pressure, The Telegraph reported.
Bureau Report