Written by Chrystal Moulton, Staff Writer. Study shows aspirin increases major bleeding risk 66%, gastrointestinal bleeding risk 37%, and hemorrhagic stroke risk 32%-38%.
In the current study researchers conducted a meta-analysis to examine the overall benefits of aspirin for cardiovascular events and cancer. Researchers ran a search for all available studies dating as far back as 2008. Of all research available, 27 articles meeting strict criteria were included in the current study. Within the 27 articles, researchers analyzed available data on the occurrence of benefits (such as reducing heart attacks) and side effects (such as bleeding) related to aspirin use for treatment in cardiovascular disease and cancer over an average of 10 years. A percent increase or decrease in both benefits and side effects associated with aspirin use was calculated based on the information. Furthermore, a projected estimate on its effect on death rates was also determined.
Results showed that compared to control, aspirin averted 60-84 cardiovascular events and 34-36 colorectal cancer death per 10,000 people over 10 years. The analysis also showed a 6% reduction in mortality (RR=0.94, p<0.05) and 10% reduction in cardiovascular events (RR=0.90, p<0.05). However, compared to control aspirin was associated with 46-49 episodes of major bleeding and 68-117 episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding over a 10 year period. In other words, there was a 66% increased risk of major bleeding and 37% increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with aspirin. Aspirin was also associated with a 32%-38% increase in stroke caused by excessive bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
Overall, researchers observed minor gains in the use of aspirin for cardiovascular disease and cancer. They found however, that the harms of aspirin use as a preventative measure against cardiovascular disease significantly outweighed the benefits.
Source: Sutcliffe, Paul, et al. “Aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: a systematic review of the balance of evidence from reviews of randomized trials.” PloS one 8.12 (2013): e81970.
© 2013 Sutcliffe et al. Creative Commons Attribution License
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Posted September 16, 2014.
Chrystal Moulton BA, PMP, is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Indianapolis, IN.
Reference:
- Sutcliffe P, et al. Aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: a systematic review of the balance of evidence from reviews of randomized trials. PLoS One. 2013 Dec 5;8(12):e81970.
