Living Well
Aspirin: So Popular And Yet Did You Know!
May 24, 2017Are you popping an aspirin repeatedly? Think again. It has multiple risks associated with it!
Risk of Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Ulcers
In a study conducted on women who were using aspirin regularly, it was concluded that these women were at the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The drug is thought to interfere with the platelets, which help with blood clotting. In another publication, it has been highlighted that there was an approximately 40 percent increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with low dosage aspirin, in the various studies which were reviewed.
Peptic ulcers (sores developed in the lining of the stomach) affect about six million people in the US annually. Studies indicate that long-term use of this drug can increase the risk of peptic ulcers in patients as it is known to thin out the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk of Brain Bleeding (Intracranial Hemorrhage)
In a study looking at the connection between aspirin and cerebral bleeding, it was established that there was a clear impact of the drug on bleeding of brain among patients. The frequency of hemorrhagic complications (excessive bleeding) was higher in patients treated with long-term aspirin.
In relation to bleeding, here’s what the FDA says about the drug: “After carefully examining scientific data from major studies, FDA has concluded that the data do not support the use of aspirin as a preventive medication by people who have not had a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular problems, a use that is called “primary prevention.” In such people, the benefit has not been established but risks—such as dangerous bleeding into the brain or stomach—are still present.”
Association of Aspirin with Breast Cancer
In a study conducted in the US by the J National Cancer Institute, it was observed that long-term daily use of the drug was associated with an increased risk of ER/PR-negative breast cancer. Usually, 10 to 20% of the breast cancers are ER/PR negative.
Risk of Blindness and Hearing Loss
A study established that the regular usage of the drug can cause the risk of loss of hearing in men and this impact was apparently more on younger people. A study spanning over 15 years concluded that regular use of aspirin is with increased risk of neovascular AMD or age-related macular degeneration. AMD is the leading cause of severe blindness.
Mahesh is a hormone health counsellor & holistic health expert. He has a Mastery Certification in Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis from the US, is certified in Functional Nutrition from Washington State University and uses a wide array of healing modalities to guide his clients to vibrant health and well-being.
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References:
- García Rodríguez, L. A., Martín-Pérez, M., Hennekens, C. H., Rothwell, P. M., & Lanas, A. (2016). Bleeding Risk with Long-Term Low-Dose Aspirin: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies. PLoS ONE, 11(8), e0160046. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0160046
- Huang ES, Strate LL, Ho WW, Lee SS, Chan AT. Long-term use of aspirin and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Am J Med. 2011 May;124(5):426-33. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2010.12.022. PubMed PMID: 21531232; PubMed Central PMCID:PMC3086018.
- Cryer, B., & Mahaffey, K. W. (2014). Gastrointestinal ulcers, role of aspirin, and clinical outcomes: pathobiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 7, 137–146. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S54324
- Ge L, Niu G, Han X, Gao Y, Wu Q, Wu H, Zhang Y, Guo D. Aspirin treatment increases the risk of cerebral microbleeds. Can J Neurol Sci. 2011 Nov;38(6):863-8. PubMed PMID: 22030424.
- Marshall SF, Bernstein L, Anton-Culver H, Deapen D, Horn-Ross PL, Mohrenweiser H, Peel D, Pinder R, Purdie DM, Reynolds P, Stram D, West D, Wright WE, Ziogas A Ross RK. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and breast cancer risk by stage and hormone receptor status. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2005 Jun 1;97(11):805-12. PubMed PMID: 15928301.
- Curhan SG, Eavey R, Shargorodsky J, Curhan GC. Analgesic use and the risk of hearing loss in men. Am J Med. 2010 Mar;123(3):231-7. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.08.006. PubMed PMID: 20193831; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2831770.
- Liew G, Mitchell P, Wong TY, Rochtchina E, Wang JJ. The Association of Aspirin Use With Age-Related Macular Degeneration. JAMA Intern Med. 2013;173(4):258-264. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.1583
