A new report found taking low-dose aspirin could increase one’s risk of bleeding in the skull, particularly for those without a history of heart problems.
Low-dose aspirin has been recommended for adults to lower their risk of stroke and heart attack by preventing the formation of blood clots.
However, recent studies discovered that this benefit is negated by the higher risk of bleeding in the skull.
New research finds that regularly taking low-dose aspirin increases the risk of intracranial hemorrhage, a type of skull bleeding. Those who had the biggest risk were people with a body mass index under 25.
The team from the University College of Medicine in Taiwan says the results show the medication should only be taken by those who have the highest heart disease risk such as people who have undergone bypass surgery.
Taking low-dose aspirin every day to prevent blood clots can result in strokes and heart attacks.
An adult low-dose aspirin is between 75 and 100 mg.
For the review, the team checked 13 previous studies. Over 130,000 people without a history of heart disease or stroke, aged from 42 to 74, were given either a placebo or low-dose aspirin.
Those taking a low-dose aspirin had a 0.63 percent risk of bleeding while people on the placebo had a 0.46 percent risk.
Dr. Wen-Yi Huang said: “The absolute magnitude of these adverse effects is modest, but clinically relevant.
“Given that the many individuals in the general population have a very low risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events, if low-dose aspirin is given universally, adverse outcomes from intracranial hemorrhage may outweigh the beneficial effects of low-dose aspirin.”
The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology also released new guidelines on low-dose aspirin.
Dr. Roger Blumenthal from Johns Hopkins Medicines said: “Clinicians should be very selective in prescribing aspirin for people without known cardiovascular disease.
“It’s much more important to optimize lifestyle habits and control blood pressure and cholesterol as opposed to recommending aspirin. Aspirin should be limited to people at the highest risk of cardiovascular disease and a very low risk of bleeding.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this post with your family and friends!
Recommended Video!
“Viral Video Shows A Freaky Leg Cramp That Looks Like An Alien Squirming Under The Skin”