Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Cardiologist Says Taking Aspirin Every Day Long Term Can Be Dangerous

aspirin use dangerous

Anyone who takes aspirin daily is being warned that the medication can cause serious side effects, and for many people, the risks may outweigh the benefits. First developed in the 1890s and commonly sold as an over-the-counter painkiller, aspirin was prescribed for years as a preventive treatment for heart disease.

<h2>Taking Aspirin Every Day Long Term Can Be Dangerous</h2>

According to MailOnline, more than two million people in the UK take aspirin every day to protect their heart. The drug works as a <span>blood thinner</span>, helping to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, newer research suggests that aspirin offers little benefit for people who do not already have heart or circulation-related conditions.

More serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include coughing up blood, blood in the stool or urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes which may signal liver problems, painful joints linked to high uric acid levels, and swelling of the hands or feet caused by fluid retention.

Aspirin can also lead to stomach ulcers, and some people may develop allergic reactions. The Mail reports that during the early 2000s, when aspirin use was at its peak, the drug may have contributed to around 7,000 deaths a year in the UK. There are also concerns that it could increase the risk of bleeding in the brain.

In 2021, official guidelines were updated to say that people should only take <span>daily aspirin</span> if advised by a doctor. In 2023, GPs were instructed not to routinely prescribe aspirin to patients who have never had a heart attack.

The NHS still recommends daily aspirin for people who have previously had a heart attack or stroke. Anyone who has been advised by a doctor to take aspirin should not stop without seeking medical guidance.

A 2019 study by the UK’s National Heart and Lung Institute found that daily aspirin provides only limited benefit for people without underlying heart disease, while significantly increasing the risk of serious internal bleeding.

Professor Malcolm Finlay, a consultant cardiologist at Barts Heart Centre in central London, told the Mail: “For patients who have suffered a heart attack or stroke, there is still a strong case for taking daily aspirin. But for everyone else, the benefit is very small.”

He added that aspirin’s side effects should not be underestimated. “You could have a bleed in the stomach, which can cause several days of severe pain. If bleeding occurs in the brain, it can be life-threatening,” he said.

Professor Finlay also revealed that he personally experienced a major stomach bleed while taking aspirin for a back injury.

Doctors who prescribe aspirin often also prescribe medications such as omeprazole or lansoprazole to help protect the stomach. However, Prof Finlay warned that these drugs should not be used long term either. He said this is why the NHS no longer recommends routine aspirin use, adding that there are now better cardiovascular treatments available that do not carry the same risks.

These affect more than one in 100 people. The NHS advises taking aspirin with food to help reduce stomach-related issues.

<ul><li>Indigestion and stomach pain: This is the most common complaint.</li><li>Bleeding more easily: People may notice more frequent nosebleeds, bruising, or cuts that take longer to stop bleeding.</li><li>Nausea or vomiting: Feeling sick or being sick after taking aspirin.</li></ul>

<h2>Aspirin Serious Side Effects</h2>Although rare, these symptoms require medical attention. Contact a doctor or call 111 immediately if you experience:

<ul><li>Signs of internal bleeding: Coughing up blood or noticing blood in urine, vomit, or stools, which may appear black or tar-like.</li><li>Liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.</li><li>Joint pain: Especially in the hands or feet, which may indicate high uric acid levels and possible gout.</li><li>Swollen hands or feet: This may be a sign of fluid retention.</li></ul>

Call 999 or go to A&amp;E immediately if you experience:

<ul><li>Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction): Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, or a widespread itchy or blistering rash.</li><li>Severe wheezing: Particularly in people with asthma, as aspirin can trigger serious attacks.</li></ul>

Under 16s: The NHS strongly advises against giving aspirin to children under 16 unless prescribed by a doctor, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition that causes severe liver and brain damage.

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Anyone who takes aspirin daily is being warned that the medication can cause serious side effects, and for many people, the risks may outweigh the benefits. First developed in the 1890s and commonly sold as an over-the-counter painkiller, aspirin was prescribed for years as a preventive treatment for heart disease.Taking Aspirin Every Day Long Term Can Be DangerousAccording to MailOnline, more than two million people in the UK take aspirin every day to protect their heart. The drug works as a blood thinner, helping to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, newer research suggests that aspirin offers little benefit for people who do not already have heart or circulation-related conditions.More serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include coughing up blood, blood in the stool or urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes which may signal liver problems, painful joints linked to high uric acid levels, and swelling of the hands or feet caused by fluid retention.Aspirin can also lead to stomach ulcers, and some people may develop allergic reactions. The Mail reports that during the early 2000s, when aspirin use was at its peak, the drug may have contributed to around 7,000 deaths a year in the UK. There are also concerns that it could increase the risk of bleeding in the brain.In 2021, official guidelines were updated to say that people should only take daily aspirin if advised by a doctor. In 2023, GPs were instructed not to routinely prescribe aspirin to patients who have never had a heart attack.Aspirin: NHS RecommendationsThe NHS still recommends daily aspirin for people who have previously had a heart attack or stroke. Anyone who has been advised by a doctor to take aspirin should not stop without seeking medical guidance.A 2019 study by the UK’s National Heart and Lung Institute found that daily aspirin provides only limited benefit for people without underlying heart disease, while significantly increasing the risk of serious internal bleeding.Professor Malcolm Finlay, a consultant cardiologist at Barts Heart Centre in central London, told the Mail: “For patients who have suffered a heart attack or stroke, there is still a strong case for taking daily aspirin. But for everyone else, the benefit is very small.”He added that aspirin’s side effects should not be underestimated. “You could have a bleed in the stomach, which can cause several days of severe pain. If bleeding occurs in the brain, it can be life-threatening,” he said.Professor Finlay also revealed that he personally experienced a major stomach bleed while taking aspirin for a back injury.Doctors who prescribe aspirin often also prescribe medications such as omeprazole or lansoprazole to help protect the stomach. However, Prof Finlay warned that these drugs should not be used long term either. He said this is why the NHS no longer recommends routine aspirin use, adding that there are now better cardiovascular treatments available that do not carry the same risks.Aspirin Common Side EffectsThese affect more than one in 100 people. The NHS advises taking aspirin with food to help reduce stomach-related issues.Indigestion and stomach pain: This is the most common complaint.Bleeding more easily: People may notice more frequent nosebleeds, bruising, or cuts that take longer to stop bleeding.Nausea or vomiting: Feeling sick or being sick after taking aspirin.Aspirin Serious Side EffectsAlthough rare, these symptoms require medical attention. Contact a doctor or call 111 immediately if you experience:Signs of internal bleeding: Coughing up blood or noticing blood in urine, vomit, or stools, which may appear black or tar-like.Liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.Joint pain: Especially in the hands or feet, which may indicate high uric acid levels and possible gout.Swollen hands or feet: This may be a sign of fluid retention.Immediate Emergency SymptomsCall 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience:Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction): Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, or a widespread itchy or blistering rash.Severe wheezing: Particularly in people with asthma, as aspirin can trigger serious attacks.NHS Important Safety WarningUnder 16s: The NHS strongly advises against giving aspirin to children under 16 unless prescribed by a doctor, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition that causes severe liver and brain damage.