The British Heart Foundation is calling for further research into claims that everyone over 50 should take aspirin daily to help fight serious cardiac problems.
Current guidelines allow doctors to prescribe daily aspirin to patients who have already suffered from a heart attack or stroke, as it stops blood clots forming in the arteries of the heart or brain.
Previous studies suggested taking aspirin could cut the chance of having a heart attack by a third, and new research bolsters the view that blanket prescriptions could help millions of people later in life. Analysis of 12,000 patients by Nottingham and Sheffield Universities suggest it would be easier to have a specific age threshold to ensure everyone is treated. Another study also suggested the drug could help prevent osteoporosis, the painful condition also known as brittle bone disease.
In response to these findings, Director of Prevention and Care at the British Heart Foundation, Dr Mike Knapton, said –
‘There are both benefits and risks associated with taking aspirin daily as a preventative measure. Currently the recommendations in the UK are that aspirin is prescribed under medical supervision only to those who have had a heart attack. For these people the benefits of taking aspirin outweigh the risks. Further robust research is needed before aspirin should be considered as a blanket primary prevention measure in the UK. We would encourage everyone to examine their own individual risk and take steps to reduce it by adjusting their lifestyle.’
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the major funder and authority in cardiovascular research, helping educate both the public and of health professionals. Your generous donations help provide life-saving cardiac equipment, and the support in rehabilitation and care for the millions of people who suffer from heart problems in the UK.
