When I turned 50, my friend told me to consider taking an aspirin tablet every day. (Before you react crazily, I should remind you that my friend IS my doctor.) He suggested this routine because aspirin tends to ‘thin the blood’, rendering it more difficult for blood to clot and, therefore, block blood flow to the heart or brain. (Aspirin inactivates platelet cyclooxygenase; this precludes them from producing thomboxane A2. Thromboxane, in turn, is a vasoconstrictor and promotes platelet aggregation. Aspirin also has anti-inflamatory and vasodilation effects.)
I reminded my physician I had never taken aspirin since I was about 5 and found myself visiting Meadowbrook Hospital (now known as the Nassau County Medical Center) because I wasn’t breathing. As such, I never did take that prophylactic step, even though the AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) report that some 27% of those between 45 and 64 do- or about 19% of all Americans. (This was in spite of evidence that it may help preclude colorectal cancers, as reported in this blog before.)
And, now, it turns out that I never should have considered it. Drs. Seshasai, Erqou, Satta, and Ray, along with researchers Wijesuirya, Sivakumara, and Nethercott, published a retrospective analysis in the Archives of Internal Medicine, “Effect of Aspirin on Vascular and Nonvascular Outcomes: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials”. This international collaboration involved nine studies, none with less than 1000 adults (102,621 overall), with an average age of 57. The subjects either took low dose aspirin (<100 mg) or placebos on a daily basis. None of the subjects had known cardiovascular disease at the outset of their inclusion in these studies.
Over the course of the research, there were 2169 reports of cardiovascular disease and more than 40,000 instances of bleeding (which is a known side-effect of aspirin ingestion). Cardiovascular related deaths (heart attacks and strokers) or cancer-related deaths were of virtually no difference whether the patients were on aspirin or placebo. Those taking aspirin were about 10% less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke, with no difference between men and women. As noted, the risk of bleeding was 70% greater, with serious bleeding posing a 40% greater risk.
The researchers conclude, that given these results, the broad scale prescription of aspirin ingestion with no indication of prior cardiovascular risk is not merited. (Read that again. It means if you HAVE prior cardiovascular risks, you should consider taking aspirin.) This is due to the greater chance for complications from bleeding, and the relatively low death reduction as a result of the aspirin regimen. However, this needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, especially for those with- or at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
You know I totally agree with this. I was prescribed a low dose therapy for what ended up being a migrane/blood sugar issue, and it ended up making it worse because the root of the issue was female in nature. Anemia…so spot on, my friend spot on!
Glad to hear you take things in the proper perspective, Lisa. And, that you have your other issues well on control!!!!!
Good post! I’m definitely going to share this with my parents. I believe that they might take aspirin but I think that there is a family history of cardiovascular disease. Thanks for bringing this study to my attention.
Lauren Huston recently posted..Valentine’s Day and Social Media
Thanks for the visit and comment, Lauren. Yes, if your parents are potentially pre-disposed to cardiac events, the risk of bleeding does not outweigh the benefits of coagulation control. But, if your parents have anemia or on blood thinning regimens, this would outweigh the benefits, in the other direction.
Roy
Wonderful piece, very informative, as they always are. Thank you.
jan recently posted..Hendrick’s Bridge Wayside Park, (Faerie Land)
Thanks for the visit and the comment, Jan! I am so glad you enjoyed the post!
Roy
Thanks for posting this informational text, I’ve never heard about aspirin from this aspect. I used to take aspirin tablets almost two times week, but from now on I think I’m gonna search for another solution for my headache. Thanks for the useful information.
Julie recently posted..cosmetic dentistry prices
A few for a headache is way different that daily dosage- it’s the “incessant” loading that leads to bleeding, Julie
Interesting. I know my Nan lived by the whole 1 aspirin a day thing…I’ve never done it myself. She was fine for years, but then came down with cancer twice. AS to whether the aspirin helped her in anyway – she believed it did.
Janine Ripper recently posted..What’s on Your iDevice?
There’s data for aspirin and cancer, too, Janine…
It’s not that it doesn’t work for heart disease- it’s the question if the benefits outweigh the costs…
Interesting topic Roy, as far as I know Aspirin is use to all kind of ailments or any inflammations. I am happy to know about it and thanks for the information.
Danyelle Franciosa|Bifold Doors recently posted..Bifold Doors Brisbane
Yes, aspirin is one of those “drugs” for which we have manifold uses, Danyelle.
Thanks for the visit.
I started reading your grapefruit report, it explained the why and why not so well I came here next. My doctors put my on 2 baby aspirin daily, about 8 years ago, I think I need to bring up the subject on my next visit.
Some preventive medicine brings it’s own side effects with long term use. I am signing your RSS feed. There is so many good articles here, Thanks
William recently posted..Tips for a Vibrant Vegetarian Holiday
Thanks for visiting, William.
I’m glad you found that other post of use, as well. (There’s also one about visiting one’s medical professional and having a list of questions…)https://www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/http:/www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/deep-breath/ )….
It’s best to be prepared…