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Aspirin Harmful for Healthy People: Study

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 31, 2009 12:34 PM CDT

(Newser) – Healthy people shouldn’t be taking aspirin, according to a new study. The drug doesn’t actually reduce the risk of heart attack, as many of the “worried well” have long believed, British scientists told a medical conference, but it does nearly double the risk they’ll be hospitalized with internal bleeding. Those who’ve already suffered a heart attack, however, should keep taking their aspirin, doctors said.

“Aspirin probably leads to a minor reduction in future events but the problem is that has to be weighed against an increase in bleeding,” said one of the researchers. “Some of that bleeding can be quite serious and lead to death.” For those who’ve already had a heart attack, the risk of another episode outweighs all other concerns.

An employee of German chemical and drug maker Bayer checks a package of Aspirin Plus in the pill plant of the Bayer company in Bitterfeld, eastern Germany, in this July 11, 2005 file picture. (AP Photo/Eckehard Schulz)

Packages of "Aspirin" medication are seen Aug. 15, 2007, in the pharmaceutical plant of the Bayer company in Bitterfeld, eastern Germany. (AP Photo/Eckehard Schulz)

Packages of aspirin fill the shelves of a drugstore, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 in Chicago. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

cardiovascular disease • heart disease • public health • aspirin • medical study • bleeding

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Boosting 'Good' Cholesterol Doesn't Help, May Hurt

Test of drug niacin halted when results became clear

Avandia Woes Mount Ahead of FDA Hearing

Agency flags flawed study, may ban diabetes drug

Anti-Bleeding Drug Could Save Lives in the ER

100,000 trauma patients could benefit

Being Short May Raise Risk of Heart Trouble

Height seems to play a role in cardiovascular health

Heart Risk Linked to Obesity—in Preschoolers

Definitive connection can't be made due to lack of relevant study

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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More News

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