Aspirin: Good or bad?

Aspirin’s benefits have been long debated.

And it has always been my contention that, if it were up for approval as a new drug today, its application would be denied.

Of course, my biggest issue with this common, over-the-counter (OTC) drug is that it can cause bleeding.

Well, apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks this side effect may be a MAJOR problem…

Major bleeding risks

A new meta-analysis looked at the usefulness and efficacy of low-dose aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular events.

Researchers analyzed data from just over 171,000 participants without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Some—35 percent, in fact—were also taking statins for prevention (another one of my least favorite drugs).

Well, they found that aspirin’s bleeding risk far OUTWEIGHS its potentially protective benefits across all ASCVD risk categories!

And that risk was found regardless of statin therapy. I knew it!

To put this into perspective, subjects taking aspirin had a 15 percent relative risk reduction for a heart attack… but a 48 percent greater risk of major bleeding!

Not only that, but aspirin—with or without a statin—DIDN’T reduce risk of stroke, all-cause mortality (death), or cardiovascular-related mortality.

But—subjects taking aspirin had a significant 32 percent greater risk of brain bleeds (intracranial hemorrhage) and a 51 percent increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Yikes!

A safer way

Do you see what I mean about aspirin having little hopes of getting approved if it were a NEW drug coming to the market?

Because of these major bleeding risks?

Of course, the guidelines surrounding aspirin are all over the place, which is why some of you reading this are probably wondering why your doctor may have recommended a daily dose.

I mean, the “rules” are pretty clear for ASCVD patients: Take aspirin.

But for patients without ASCVD, the lines get blurred—despite the fact that this OTC drug has a very limited role in prevention.

Well, in my view, you can get more bang for your buck with key lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, eating a proper diet, and exercising regularly.

For more details about an all-natural plan to protect your heart without aspirin therapy, check out my Ultimate Heart-Protection Protocol. Click here to learn more about this innovative, online learning tool.

Until next time,

Dr. Fred

Source:

“Meta-analysis throws more shade aspirin’s way.” MDedge, 02/15/2023. (mdedge.com/cardiology/article/261251/cad-atherosclerosis/meta-analysis-throws-more-shade-aspirins-way)