Introduction
Aspirin, a commonly used medication to thin the blood, is often recommended to older individuals as a preventive measure against strokes. However, recent studies indicate that taking a low dose of aspirin on a daily basis does not actually prevent the most common type of stroke in older people who have never experienced one before. In fact, it may even increase their risk of dangerous brain bleeds.
The Dangers of Prescribing Aspirin Unnecessarily
Prescribing aspirin to individuals who do not require it is proving to be a less than ideal practice. John McNeil, a researcher at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, states that there is mounting evidence against the use of aspirin in people who do not have a medical need for it.
The Purpose of Aspirin in Older Individuals
With age, the likelihood of developing blood clots and experiencing an ischaemic stroke increases. To counter this risk, doctors often prescribe a low dose of aspirin, typically between 75 and 100 milligrams, as it has blood-thinning properties. However, even a low dose of aspirin comes with its own set of risks.
The Study and Findings
In a study conducted by McNeil and his team, the incidence of strokes and internal head bleeds was examined in a group of 19,114 participants over nearly five years. Half of the participants were assigned to take a daily dose of 100 milligrams of aspirin, while the other half received a placebo.
The results showed that among those taking low-dose aspirin, 1.5 per cent experienced an ischaemic stroke during the study period, compared to 1.7 per cent in the placebo group. This indicates that aspirin did not effectively reduce the risk of ischaemic stroke. Furthermore, 1.1 per cent of those taking aspirin experienced bleeding inside or around the brain, compared to 0.8 per cent in the placebo group. This suggests that aspirin may actually increase the risk of brain bleeds.
The Significance of Intracranial Bleeding
Intracranial bleeding, which occurs within or around the brain, is typically more fatal than an ischaemic stroke. Aspirin’s blood-thinning properties, coupled with the natural weakening of blood vessels with age, can make individuals more prone to experiencing such bleeds.
Considerations
It’s important to note that these findings only apply to individuals with no history of cardiovascular conditions. For those with such conditions, low-dose aspirin may still be beneficial in reducing the risk of strokes. However, it is always recommended to consult with a doctor before starting or changing any medications.
You should always consult your doctor before taking or changing medications.
