The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, a monthly review of pharmacotherapeutics in medicine published by the British Medical Journal, is recommending that physicians take a second look before prescribing daily low-dose aspirin to patients. A recent review of European data questions whether there is any benefit at all for those without a history of cardiovascular disease to be taking a daily aspirin, especially since long-term low-dose aspirin therapy almost doubles the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding (a potentially serious side effect). The journal authors support continued use of aspirin in those with known cardiovascular disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart attacks. But, in light of current evidence, is not recommending daily low-dose aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular disease. [via Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin]
Share your comments here.
Tags: aspirin, diabetes, gastrointestinal bleeding, GI bleed, heart attack, high blood pressure, hypertension
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
November 6th, 2009 at 3:54 am
it is absolutely right
November 6th, 2009 at 11:57 am
My Doctor prescribed one daily aspirin tablet of 325mg. I took it for awhile but cut myself down to a low-dose 81mg tablet becausse I have problems not with my heart but “brusing” on my arms because of blood thinning I assume. Anway I did have cardio problems back in 2003 and underwent surgery for that. I find the low-dose better for me.
November 7th, 2009 at 12:40 am
[...] is the original: RightHealth Daily Dose » Blog Archive » Does An Aspirin A Day Keep … Tagged as: diabetes, Display, dr-steven-chang, family-medicine, health, lifestyle, mac, [...]
November 7th, 2009 at 9:40 am
I was taking a baby aspirin a day and one day I sneezed 10 times and blood was spurationg out of my nose , mouth and my friends rushed me to the Emergency Room. The first question the doctor ased: Are yiou taking aspirin? I said: Yes. He said: Stop it.
November 8th, 2009 at 12:35 am
I AM 61YRS. I AM A TYPE II DM AND AM UNDER INSULIN. AM ALSO A HYPERTENSIVE AND UNDER TABLETS. AM TAKING LOW DOSE ASPIRIN FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. I DIDN’T HAVE ANY CARDIAC PROBLEM. MY ECG IS WNL. AM TAKING ASPIRIN FOR PROPHYLAXIS. ONE DAY I HAD SUDDEN AND SEVER SNEEZING FOLLOWING WHICH I DEVELOPED SUBCONJUNCTIVAL HAEMORRHAGE IN MY RIGHT EYE. THEN I STOPPED ASPIRIN. I THINK IT IS DUE TO ASPIRIN ONLY.
November 8th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Bob – it’s probably a good idea to go down to the 81mg dose, especially if you are bruising a lot. However, just make sure to make sure your physician is aware.
November 8th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Dr.C.K.Ramu – subconjunctival hemorrhage from an isolate episode of sneezing is possible. The cause of the hemorrhage would be from the acute increase in intracranial pressure, not necessary from the aspirin. Certainly, the extent of the hemorrhage could be exacerbated due to aspirin use. Would you agree?
November 9th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Plavix and asprin combined is a dangerous combination. Any blood thinners can be dangerous but, when you combine them your asking for trouble.
I would suggest that a daily intake of Omega 3 fat is the better solution for control of high blood pressure, cholesterol control, and synergetically improvement of vitamins B-12 and B-6. For cellular nourishment, add COQ10 to your daily regiment.
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I heard that a low dose aspirin a day could prevent one from having a stroke.