A quarter of older adults continue using a drug that may lead to internal bleeding, according to a recent study. Despite recommendations changing, millions still rely on aspirin for heart health.
Aspirin was once a staple for preventing heart attacks and strokes in those over 60 in the US. However, in 2018, health authorities revised their guidance due to increased bleeding risks.
The updated advice highlighted that aspirin's risks could outweigh its benefits for those without prior heart conditions. This shift led to a decline in its use among seniors, but many continue to take it.
The study showed that by 2021, 18.5 million older adults were still taking aspirin. Alarmingly, 3.3 million of them were doing so without any medical recommendation.
For those who have already experienced a heart attack or stroke, aspirin remains a key preventive measure. It can reduce the risk of another event by about 25 percent.
Aspirin is affordable, costing as little as nine cents per tablet, and works by thinning the blood. This reduces clot formation, lowering the chances of heart attacks and strokes.
However, aspirin also increases the risk of internal bleeding by impairing blood clotting mechanisms. These bleeds, often in the stomach or intestines, can be severe and life-threatening.
Internal bleeding can cause significant blood loss, leading to shock and damage to critical tissues. In rare cases, bleeds can also occur in the brain, potentially fatal.
Researchers analyzed data from 180,000 patients aged 40 and older between 2012 and 2021. This study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, sheds light on aspirin use and its associated risks.
The data, drawn from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), involved 35,000 adults annually sharing their health habits. Researchers at Creighton University and Houston Methodist University analyzed this data to estimate aspirin use among seniors.
In 2021, 18.5 million older adults without cardiovascular disease were using aspirin preventatively. Notably, 3.3 million of these individuals were taking the drug without a doctor's recommendation.
The study acknowledged potential inaccuracies, as it likely included both doctor-recommended and non-recommended aspirin use. Nonetheless, it highlighted the ongoing reliance on aspirin among seniors.
Aspirin remains advised for those over 60 who have experienced a heart attack or stroke, due to its risk-reduction benefits. Doctors may also suggest aspirin for individuals with significant arterial plaque.
For older adults without prior cardiovascular events, the risk of a brain bleed outweighs the preventive benefits. Approximately seven percent of adults over 60 have had a stroke, equating to 5 million people.
Data shows that 14 percent of people aged 65 to 74 have suffered a heart attack, totaling 4.6 million individuals. These statistics underline the nuanced approach required in aspirin recommendations.
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