Risk of aspirin-related bleeding is higher in the over-75s

Conclusion This valuable cohort study helps to quantify the extent of bleeding risk in people taking aspirin for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Aspirin is well known to carry bleeding risk – particularly in older adults – but this study suggests the risk may be higher than previously thought. The researchers say that for adults under the age of 75, the annual bleeding risk at around 1% is similar to that suggested by previous trials, as is the ratio of bleeds to the number of cardiovascular events. However, this risk increases for older adults, especially for major bleeds of the stomach and upper digestive tract. This doesn't mean that aspirin isn't beneficial for adults – the number of cardiovascular events would probably be much greater if people weren't taking aspirin at all. However, it does suggest, as the authors say, a need to routinely co-prescribe stomach protection such as PPIs for those at greatest risk. This is a view that has been supported by several experts who have reacted to the findings. There are some points to note: The findings only apply to people taking regular aspirin for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Though the risks may be similar, they cannot be applied to people taking aspirin for primary prevention (that is people with risk factors for cardiovascular disease but who have not yet had an event such as a stroke or heart attack), or to people using aspirin for brief periods for example to treat pain or fever....
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medication Older people Source Type: news