Taking aspirin daily can increase the risk of a heart attack by 190%.

In addition to being widely used to relieve headaches, aspirin (AAS) is known for its "blood thinning" effect. and prevent infarction and stroke.

The problem is that according to research from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom and the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands, taking aspirin regularly to protect the body may actually increase the chances of a heart attack. .

The study, published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, was led by Dr. Leo Stolk and examined 30,000 patients with atrial fibrillation? a condition characterized by rapid and irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of heart attack and premature death? who take aspirin, warfarin or a new generation of medicines to prevent infarction.

The conclusion of the research was that patients taking aspirin daily are 1.9 times more likely to have a heart attack compared to those taking warfarin, a drug that blocks the action of vitamin K and prevents clots from forming.

Treatment with oral anticoagulants has been the cornerstone of stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation for decades. Now, however, we have identified an increased risk of heart attacks in patients taking or taking aspirin compared to those taking vitamin K antagonists, Dr. Stolk said.

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Also according to the researcher, the beneficial effect of aspirin in patients with arterial fibrillation is not confirmed. Therefore, this medicine was withdrawn from the new guidelines on the treatment of this condition in the United Kingdom.

Other disadvantages of aspirin

In addition to increasing the chances of a heart attack in patients with atrial fibrillation, aspirin can also irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing stomach bleeding, especially when treatment is prolonged.

Some studies also indicate that aspirin may be responsible for bleeding in the brain, which eventually leads to a stroke. In other words, although aspirin is often prescribed to prevent clot formation and consequent strokes, it could end up causing a stroke for another reason.

Remember that despite the results of this study, you should not discontinue any treatment prescribed by the doctor. The increased chances of heart attack were surveyed only in patients with atrial fibrillation, not in the population. Therefore, be sure to consult your doctor before making any changes to your medicines.

Similarly, it is important to be aware that even a single aspirin can pose health risks if consumed improperly, which is a good example of the dangers of self-medication.

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