Taking a daily low dose of aspirin does not prevent the most common type of stroke in older individuals who have never experienced one. In fact, it may even raise the risk of a dangerous brain bleed. Aspirin is often prescribed to older people to reduce the risk of stroke because it thins the blood. However, this latest finding suggests that prescribing aspirin to those who don’t need it may not be a good idea.
According to a study conducted by researchers at Monash University in Australia, aspirin, even at low doses, comes with risks. In a previous study, the same researchers found that a daily low dose of aspirin increases the risk of falls in older people. As part of the same trial, they also investigated the incidence of strokes and internal head bleeds.
The study involved 19,114 participants, all of whom were at least 70 years old and living in Australia or the US. None of them had a history of stroke or any other cardiovascular condition at the start of the study. Half of the participants were assigned to take 100 milligrams of aspirin daily, while the other half took a placebo.
The results showed that among those taking low-dose aspirin, 1.5% experienced an ischaemic stroke, compared to 1.7% in the placebo group. When considering the duration of the study, the researchers found that aspirin did not reduce the risk of an ischaemic stroke, regardless of age, sex, or race.
In terms of side effects, 1.1% of the participants who took aspirin experienced bleeding inside or around the brain, compared to 0.8% in the placebo group. Although this may seem like a small difference, further analysis suggests that it was not a chance finding. These bleeds sometimes occurred after a head injury or spontaneously.
The study’s lead researcher, John McNeil, emphasizes the significance of this finding, noting that intracranial bleeding is usually more fatal than an ischaemic stroke. Aspirin’s blood-thinning properties, combined with the natural weakening of blood vessels that occurs with age, makes people more susceptible to a haemorrhage.
It is important to note that these results only apply to individuals without a history of cardiovascular conditions. For those with such conditions, low-dose aspirin may still help reduce the risk of strokes.
In conclusion, prescribing aspirin to older individuals who have never had a stroke may not be beneficial and can potentially increase the risk of brain bleeds. As always, it is essential to consult with a doctor before starting or changing any medications.
