Daily aspirin ‘may do more harm than good’

DAILY does of aspirin may not be worth the risk for people who have no history of heart problems, according to a major study.

Scientists who analysed data from nine clinical trials involving more than 100,000 participants showed that for every 120 people treated with aspirin for about six years, one cardiovascular event was averted.

But one in 73 people suffered from potentially significant bleeding.

Lead researcher Dr Rao Seshasai, from St George’s, University of London, whose research was published yesterday in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, said the benefits of aspirin to individuals not known to have had heart attacks or strokes were “far more modest” than previously believed.

He also said that aspirin treatment could potentially result in “considerable harm due to major bleeding”.

The study found “no evidence” aspirin could prevent cancer deaths, despite the drug’s known anti-cancer properties.

Natasha Stewart, of the British Heart Foundation, said anyone taking aspirin should consult their GP if concerned.