Some healthy older people take aspirin to ward off strokes. Healthy older people who take regular aspirin to prevent stroke may actually be increasing their risk.
In the past 25 years the number of strokes associated with blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin or warfarin has risen seven-fold, a UK study found.
The risk is particularly high in the over 75s and aspirin may do more harm than good in healthy older people, The Lancet Neurology paper reported.
"What our study suggests is that, particularly in the very elderly, the risks of aspirin outweigh the benefits" stated Professor Peter Rothwell.
Lifestyle choice
Many healthy older people also take a regular aspirin in an attempt to ward off a stroke.
Study leader, Professor Peter Rothwell, said the increasing use of drugs such as aspirin may soon take over high blood pressure as the leading cause of intracerebral haemorrhagic stroke in the over 75s. He warned than in healthy older adults the risks of taking aspirin may outweigh any benefits.
Dr Peter Coleman, deputy director of research and development for The Stroke Association said aspirin had gained a reputation of being part of a healthy lifestyle.
"However, this evidence indicates that if you are healthy and have a low risk of heart disease or stroke and unless advised by your GP to take aspirin on a daily basis then the increased risks from the side effects of aspirin are likely to outweigh the benefits of preventing a stroke."
He advised people to lower their risk of stroke by having regular blood pressure checks, eating a healthy diet, stopping smoking, only drinking alcohol in moderation, reducing salt intake and taking regular exercise.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6610713.stm
1 comment:
Thank you for your post, I am looking for such article along time, finally i found it in your blog.
In Home Care Idaho Falls
Post a Comment