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20/05/2005
Benefits of aspirin for over-70s questioned
Questions have been raised over the benefits of giving low dose aspirin to healthy people aged 70 and over.
A study published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) suggested that the benefits of giving aspirin to the over-70s could be offset by increased cases of serious bleeding.
In the study, Australian researchers used a model to simulate the broad implications of routine use of aspirin in a population of 20,000 men and women aged 70-74 with no cardiovascular disease.
The researchers said that the model suggested that any benefits gained from the use of low dose aspirin, such as the prevention of heart attacks, could be offset by an increase in the risk of developing serious bleeding - the overall balance of harm and benefit “could tip either way”.
The authors of the study said: “Therefore, the temptation to blindly implement low dose aspirin for prevention of heart disease in elderly people must be resisted.”
The study concluded that a clinical trial was needed to establish the true benefit or harm of aspirin in elderly people and underscore the importance of targeting preventive treatment to those who are likely to benefit most.
(KMcA/SP)
A study published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) suggested that the benefits of giving aspirin to the over-70s could be offset by increased cases of serious bleeding.
In the study, Australian researchers used a model to simulate the broad implications of routine use of aspirin in a population of 20,000 men and women aged 70-74 with no cardiovascular disease.
The researchers said that the model suggested that any benefits gained from the use of low dose aspirin, such as the prevention of heart attacks, could be offset by an increase in the risk of developing serious bleeding - the overall balance of harm and benefit “could tip either way”.
The authors of the study said: “Therefore, the temptation to blindly implement low dose aspirin for prevention of heart disease in elderly people must be resisted.”
The study concluded that a clinical trial was needed to establish the true benefit or harm of aspirin in elderly people and underscore the importance of targeting preventive treatment to those who are likely to benefit most.
(KMcA/SP)
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Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
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Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
13 April 2005
New research highlights possible health benefits of aspirin for over-50s
People aged over 50 could benefit from taking a dose of aspirin every day, new research has claimed. The research, conducted by the College of Medicine at Cardiff University, has suggests that one in four heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if those aged fifty and over took aspirin every day.
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Calm urged over report linking painkillers to miscarriages
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Calm urged over report linking painkillers to miscarriages
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
