Taking daily aspirin could pose a greater health threat benefit for the elderly, research finds
Research found that a low daily dose of the blood-thinning medication actually had limited benefits for older people
AN aspirin a day may not keep the doctor away — and instead pose a greater health threat, research suggests.
A low daily dose of the blood-thinning medicine has limited benefits for older people, a study of 19,114 participants found.
Aspirin did not significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke or extend life free of disability or dementia among healthy adults over 70.
However the medicine was linked with an increased risk of serious internal bleeding. Prof John McNeil, of Monash University, Australia, said: “It means millions of healthy older people around the world taking a low dose of aspirin, without a medical reason, may be doing so unnecessarily.
“Our study showed no overall benefit to offset the risk of bleeding.”
But he said the results do not apply to people with existing conditions where aspirin is used to halt further illness.
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Around half those in the trial took 100mg of aspirin every day and the other group took a placebo, with a follow- up after five years.
Aspirin use did not affect survival free of dementia or disability. Cardiovascular attack rates were similar to the placebo group.
Of the aspirin-takers, 3.8 per cent had serious bleeding compared to 2.8 per cent in the placebo group. And 5.9 per cent of the aspirin group died and 5.2 per cent taking placebos.