The Dangers of the Daily Aspirin
Taking a daily aspirin in the hopes of preventing heart disease is a growing and worrisome trend. In a recent national survey, 52% of respondents in their middle age or older said they took a daily aspirin for such purposes. “…Long-term use of the drug also increases the risk of ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and bleeding in the brain,” reports Maanvi Singh of National Public Radio. Research suggests that “for most other people, the chance that aspirin will prevent a first heart attack is about equal to the chance that it will cause harmful side effects.” Published in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the survey also found that 43% of those taking the drug are doing so without consulting a healthcare provider.
Source: “Maybe You Should Rethink That Daily Aspirin,” Maanvi Singh, NPR.org, April 27, 2015.
