Effects of Aspirin: Heart Failure, Death Among the Top 5 Reasons the Drug Could be More Dangerous Than Beneficial

Millions worldwide take over-the-counter aspirin to alleviate fever or relieve pain like a headache. Whereas there are some benefits to taking the drug, there are certain risks, especially when taken daily.

Some researchers have found that regularly taking aspirin could help shield against diseases, although others reveal it is causing more harm than good.

Recent results from StudyFinds.org have shown that aspirin raises the danger of heart failure, increases the possibility of early death because of cancer in older adults, and can even stimulate liver impairment in some hospital patients.

The big question about whether the benefits, if they are outweighing the risks remains. Here are five health risks of taking aspirin, as specified on the website.

1. Aspirin May Cause Heart Attack

Researcher Mark Ebell said one should not just assume that all people "will benefit from low-dose aspirin." In fact, the data reveals that the possible benefits are akin to the probable dangers of most individuals who have had a cardiovascular experience and are taking it to prevent stroke or a first heart attack. Related information has also been reported in Healthline.

2. The Drug Could Damage the Liver

Common painkillers, including aspirin, can cause liver damage, particularly in hospital patients. A previous study warned that NSAIDs or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, which include naproxen and ibuprofen, pose a risk to liver health.

3. Aspirin May Cause Death from Cancer

Research suggested that daily aspirin may stimulate cancer progression and result in early death among elderly people; the National Cancer Institute came out with a similar report.

Study investigators said aspirin is linked to a 19-percent higher risk of diagnosis cancers that spread. More so, a 22-percent higher risk of doctors detecting advanced cancer. Among the people developing cancers, those who take aspirin are also more likely to die.

4. Contradicting Healthy Aging

Doctors may recommend a daily aspirin dose for patients at risk of experiencing a heart attack. However, there does not seem to be much more for healthy seniors to take the drug.

Research conducted by Chicago-based Rush University showed that low doses of aspirin daily have no impact on healthy aging among the elderly above 70 years old.

Taking about 100 milligrams of the drug daily didn't play any role in preventing dementia or other physical disabilities in otherwise healthy people.

5. Potentially Dangerous Especially to Elderly Individuals

Researchers investigating the dangers and benefits of aspirin have warned people above 60 years old need to avoid taking aspirin as a preventive measure against heart ailment.

Essentially, the use of aspirin for adults aged 40 to 59 years has been graded "C" by the USPSTF. Meaning the group is backing the use of such a treatment for certain patients and that scientists are somewhat sure patients will experience a tiny advantage, in this circumstance, from taking aspirin to prevent cardiovascular conditions.

Related information about the benefits and dangers of taking aspirin is shown on Talking with Docs' YouTube video below:

Check out more news and information on Medicine in Science Times.