Khaberni - Many people take aspirin daily, believing that it protects the heart, despite the medication mainly being known as a pain reliever and fever reducer.
For decades, doctors have recommended it for middle-aged and elderly patients to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, even if they have not previously had heart disease.
However, recent studies have shown that daily aspirin intake in people without cardiovascular diseases offers limited benefits, while significantly increasing the risk of side effects, including bruising and stomach bleeding, and in rare cases, life-threatening brain hemorrhage.
In recent years, a number of health experts have indicated that patients should not take a low dose of aspirin daily unless recommended by a doctor. However, some recommendations still permit its use for patients who have previously suffered a heart attack or stroke, as its benefits outweigh the potential risks for them.
Despite this, many healthy individuals have not been warned about the potential risks of taking aspirin regularly. Medical reports have stated that some patients have experienced serious side effects, including stomach bleeding and vomiting blood, after years of daily use.
The Origin of Aspirin
Aspirin was invented in the 1890s and is based on the salicin compound found in willow bark, which was used by the ancient Egyptians to treat pain and fever. Its benefits in preventing cardiovascular diseases were not discovered until the 1960s.
Studies have shown that a low dose of aspirin (75 mg) acts as an antiplatelet agent, reducing the risk of life-threatening blood clots, particularly in the small vessels of the heart and brain, making it an effective and inexpensive preventive treatment.
However, there are effective alternatives for those with cardiovascular issues, such as "warfarin" or "rivaroxaban". There are also "acid-resistant" types of aspirin to minimize stomach damage, but their long-term use can increase the risk of stomach inflammation and bone fractures.
Experts emphasize that doctors need to educate healthy patients about the risks of taking aspirin, noting that combining aspirin with acid-lowering drugs for long periods is undesirable. Ultimately, public health recommendations no longer advise daily aspirin use for healthy individuals, as there are safer and more effective treatments that do not cause serious side effects.
