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Aspirin use: The benefits and risks discussed
By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Aspirin is a commonly used drug, with almost everyone having a bottle with it in their home. It was initially
Dr Zulfikar Bux
used to treat pains and fever, but with the advent of more potent pain and fever medications its use has been transformed to important protective roles. Research has shown that aspirin has a vital role in decreasing the risk of certain health problems. Unfortunately not everyone knows of the benefits of aspirin use and more importantly, the risk associated with its use.
Today we will discuss both sides with the hope that it will lead to more appropriate use of aspirin.
CAN ASPIRIN PREVENT HEALTH PROBLEMS?
Yes, aspirin can prevent a few different health problems in certain people. For example, in people who have had a heart attack or stroke, aspirin can help prevent another heart attack or stroke, or even death. Studies also suggest that aspirin can prevent heart attacks in people who have never had a heart attack or any type of heart or blood vessel disease. Plus, aspirin might protect against some forms of cancer and help people live longer. The type of cancer that aspirin seems to help most with is cancer of the colon or rectum (the lower part of the bowel).
CAN ASPIRIN CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEMS?
Yes, aspirin has a downside. It can cause serious internal bleeding. When aspirin causes bleeding, it is usually in the stomach or intestines. But bleeding can also happen in other parts of the body, such as the brain.
The risk of bleeding while taking aspirin is not the same for everyone. Some people have a higher risk than others.
You are more likely to bleed while on aspirin if you:
*Have had ulcers in your stomach or intestines (called peptic ulcers)
*Are 65 years old or older
*Take high doses of medicines called nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac (brand names such as voltaren) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin).
*Use medicines called corticosteroids (such as prednisolone) in the form of pills or injections
*Take medicines called “anti-coagulants” or blood thinners.
HOW DOES ASPIRIN PREVENT HEALTH PROBLEMS?
When it comes to problems that affect the heart or blood vessels, aspirin can help because it helps prevent blood clots. Heart attacks and some strokes happen when blood clots form inside arteries. Aspirin helps keep that from happening. When it comes to cancer, experts aren’t sure why aspirin might help, but results of several studies suggest it does.
WHAT DOSE OF ASPIRIN CAN PROTECT ME?
Experts think the best dose to prevent health problems is 75, 80, or 100 milligrams a day. This is often called low-dose aspirin. It is much less than the 325-milligram dose in a single aspirin pill that is used to treat pain.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO TAKE ASPIRIN?
People who choose to take aspirin to prevent heart attacks or cancer will need to take it for many years. Aspirin starts preventing blood clots almost as soon as you take it. That means it can protect against heart attacks right away, but the protection wears off if you stop taking aspirin. It takes several years before aspirin protects against cancer.
SHOULD I TAKE ASPIRIN TO PREVENT HEALTH PROBLEMS?
That is a decision you will have to make with your doctor. First ask your doctor or nurse whether you are someone who might benefit from taking aspirin. Next, ask if you would be at risk of bleeding if you took aspirin. Then work with your doctor to make a decision that is right for you.
Be aware, though, that experts do not think that healthy people younger than 50 should take aspirin to prevent heart disease or cancer. They do think it could help people who are 50 and older, but only if they are not at high risk of bleeding.
Also, if you have already had a heart attack or have a strong family history of cancer, the decision you make with your doctor will be very different.
****
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