Healthy people should not take aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes, experts have warned. Skip related content
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Healthy people 'should not take daily aspirin'
Millions of Britons are believed to take a daily dose of the medication in the belief that it will ward off health problems.
Several studies have concluded that aspirin can help to ward off a second heart attack or stroke in patients who have already had one.
But a review published in the medical journal Drug And Therapeutics Bulletin found that people with no signs of cardiovascular disease should not use the drug as a preventative measure because of the risk of internal bleeding of the stomach.
It follows a study by British scientists earlier this year which warned that a daily dose of aspirin could do more harm than good among people who have not already had a heart attack or stroke.
In the latest expert advice, Dr Ike Iheanacho said patients who have already had cardiovascular problems should continue to take aspirin if they have been prescribed the medication.
His article calls on doctors to review giving aspirin to other people, such as diabetics and those with high blood pressure.
June Davison, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "It is well established that aspirin can help prevent heart attacks and strokes among people with heart and circulatory disease - so this group of people should continue to take aspirin as prescribed by their doctor.
"However, for those who do not have heart and circulatory disease the risk of serious bleeding outweighs the potential preventative benefits of taking aspirin. We advise people not to take aspirin daily, unless they check with their doctor."
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