Health
Daily Aspirin is Likely to be Beneficial
By British Heart Foundation
Apr 13, 2005, 19:20

The British Heart Foundation has issued its response to a study presented at a conference of the Aspirin Foundation at the Royal College of Physicians, claiming one in four heart attacks could be prevented if all people over 50 took an aspirin a day.

Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director of the BHF, said: "Taking a daily dose of aspirin - already routinely prescribed for people who have had a heart attack - is likely to be beneficial for many people over the age of 50.

"The risks and the costs are low, and the potential benefit is significant. Whether this approach could prevent as many as one in four heart attacks is yet to be proven, but we look forward to seeing the published results of this study.

"It is important, however, that people are aware of the risks before making the choice to take aspirin long-term. The drug can occasionally cause bleeding problems or an allergic reaction, so people should always check with their GP before beginning such a regime.

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