Headache? Now a tablet of aspirin helps. The painkiller is an integral part of the medicine cabinet for many people. But the drug can also be harmful under certain conditions.
According to studies, aspirin can do more than just help against headaches. So there is scientific evidence that the drug helps against colon canceragainst infection with Corona protect and speed recoveryas well as low doses in women Reduce risk of miscarriage can. 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 often.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 (or 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 Heart attack and stroke can protect. 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 obviously increases the likelihood of a heart attackt.2 Risk factors included smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels such as Diabetes.
Also interesting: 7 steps to a healthy heart
bleeding from aspirin
But even people who are not predisposed by one of the factors mentioned above 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. On the one hand, it was found that fewer heart problems occurred during this phase, but on the other hand, the scientists found significantly more cases of internal bleeding, including in the abdomen. The research team was particularly concerned about the number of aspirin users who suffered bleeding in the brain.3
A study by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded that people over the age of 60 in particular should not be advised to take 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.4
Also interesting: Anemia – causes, symptoms and treatment
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 such as aspirin and Ibuprofen can attack the liver. Particularly at risk are people with high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular problems and already damaged liver. According to the study, people who have already had an operation should also avoid taking aspirin and similar drugs.5
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 subjects who had advanced solid cancer and were taking aspirin.6 Types of cancer with so-called solid tumors (solid, hard cancer cells localized in an organ) include, but are not limited to breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer or lung cancer.7
Also interesting: 9 foods proven to protect against 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.
Sources
- 1. German Heart Foundation. Anticoagulation with ASA (aspirin). (accessed on July 25, 2022)
- 2. Mujaj B, Zhang ZY, Yang WY et al. (2021). Aspirin use is associated with increased risk for incident heart failure: a patient-level pooled analysis. ESC Heart Failure.
- 3. Moriarty F., Ebell M.H. (2020). A comparison of contemporary versus older studies of aspirin for primary prevention. Family Practice.
- 4. US Preventive Services Task Force. (2022). Aspirin Use to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease. JAMA.
- 5. Kong, X., Guo, D. Liu, S. et al. (2021). Incidence, characteristics and risk factors for drug-induced liver injury in hospitalized patients: A matched case-control study. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
- 6. McNeil, J.J., Gibbs, P., Orchard, S.G. et al. (2021). Effect of Aspirin on Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Older Adults. Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
- 7th Bavarian Cancer Society. What actually is cancer? (accessed on July 25, 2022)