Aspirin not as effective as thought

[revision]

Aspirin not as effective as thought

Sat, 30 May 2009 15:56:33 GMT

http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?i...tionid=3510210

Despite the general belief that a daily aspirin helps prevent heart attacks and strokes, a new study finds this is not always the case.

As a primary prevention strategy, many physicians prescribe low-dose aspirin in individuals with underlying cardiovascular risk factors with the aim of preventing further cardiac events.

According to the study published in The Lancet, long-term use of aspirin in healthy low-risk individuals is not as effective as previously reported.

Low-dose aspirin lowers non-fatal heart attacks in individuals with no previous history of vascular disease by one-fifth but does not influence the risk of stroke or deaths from vascular causes.

Daily aspirin therapy, moreover, increases the risk of internal bleeding in individuals by one-third.

Among patients with a positive history of heart attack or stroke who are at risk of having another, however, the benefits of a daily aspirin outweigh its adverse effects.

Scientists conclude that physicians should only prescribe low-dose aspirin to individuals with a medical history of cardiovascular events as well as to those with diagnosed heart disease.

[Atlas]

Still great to beat a heavily hangover.

[Turkey]

Aspirin is a chemical called salicylate. It is evil. Bring back laudanum I say.