4 possible adverse health effects of aspirin

But the drug can also be harmful under certain conditions. / 4 possible adverse health effects of aspirin

According to studies, aspirin can do more than just help against headaches. There is scientific evidence that the drug helps against colon cancer, protects against infection with corona and accelerates recovery, and that low doses can reduce the risk of miscarriage in women. In addition, especially in the USA, the assumption is widespread that the painkiller should be taken prophylactically (daily) in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases. The German Heart Foundation, on the other hand, warns against taking it too frequently.1 And the current study situation also indicates that aspirin can have negative effects on health under certain conditions.

Possible harmful effects of aspirin

The connection between taking aspirin and heart health has long been controversial. Since acetylsalicylic acid (ASA for short), known worldwide mainly under the brand name Aspirin, not only relieves pain, but also has blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory effects, it is assumed that it can protect against heart attacks and strokes. Many people therefore take aspirin preventively without being aware of the possible negative effects. And these can actually also – but not only – affect the heart.

Effect on the heart

A 2021 study showed that aspirin is not recommended for everyone as a heart health prophylactic. She came to the conclusion that the drug can harm people who have at least one risk factor for heart failure. The reason: it apparently increases the likelihood of a heart attack.2 The risk factors included: about smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Bleeding from aspirin

But even people who are not predisposed by one of the aforementioned factors should not underestimate the regular and long-term use of aspirin. A University of Georgia study looked at 1,000 subjects who had taken aspirin daily for five years. While on the one hand it was shown that fewer heart problems occurred during this phase, on the other hand the scientists found significantly more cases of internal bleeding, e.g. stuck in the stomach. The research team was particularly concerned about the number of aspirin users who suffered bleeding in the brain.

A study by the U.S. The Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded that people over the age of 60 in particular should be discouraged from taking preventive aspirin. The team analyzed 13 randomized clinical trials involving a total of 161,680 subjects who took a low daily dose of aspirin (100 milligrams) as a preventive measure to protect against heart disease. Here, too, the risk of internal bleeding was confirmed – especially for older people. The reason may be that the risk of bleeding generally increases with age. The blood-thinning effect of aspirin could increase this danger.

Effect on the liver

Chinese researchers warn about the negative impact of aspirin on the liver, especially in sick people. An analysis of hospital data from 156,570 people had found that anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen can damage the liver. People with high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular problems and already damaged livers are particularly at risk. According to the study, people who have already had an operation should also avoid taking aspirin and similar drugs.

Link between aspirin and cancer

Another reason to be sparing with aspirin: the drug increases the risk of dying from cancer, according to a five-year study of 19,114 elderly Australian and US participants.

The aim of the study was to better understand how aspirin is associated with the development of cancer and the risk of dying from the disease as a cancer patient. The results: Aspirin may increase the risk of being diagnosed with cancer by 19 percent. The risk of being diagnosed with advanced cancer is increased by 22 percent after taking aspirin. The mortality rate was particularly high in those who had advanced solid cancer and were taking aspirin.6 Types of cancer known as solid tumors (hard, localized cancer cells in an organ) include: breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer or lung cancer.

Conclusion

According to current knowledge, aspirin can have serious negative effects. Especially if you take the drug regularly, have a health problem and/or are older. In most cases, regular intake is not advisable. Of course, taking a pill every now and then when you have a headache is perfectly fine. Anything beyond that should only be done in consultation with the doctor.

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