The dangers in the use of aspirin to help prevent heart attacks and strokes has been in the news again recently, which will worry many people with diabetes who may take the drug.
A recent Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) study published in the Lancet has indicated that those who do not have obvious cardiovascular disease should not be taking aspirin as a preventative measure to reduce their risk of developing the condition.
The researchers say the new study, which involved six controlled trials involving a total of 95,000 patients, did not back up the routine use of aspirin because of the risk of gastrointestinal bleeds and the negligible affect it has on lowering incidences of cardiovascular problems.
Low-dose aspirin is widely used in those who have had a heart attack or stroke to help prevent future episodes. This approach, known as secondary prevention, is well established and has confirmed benefits. However, it is believed many thousands of people are believed to be taking aspirin as a protective measure without having had any cardiovascular symptoms.
The DTB said that between 2005 and 2008 guidelines were published recommending aspirin for the ‘primary prevention’ of cardiovascular disease, even in people without the condition. This means that many people aged over 50, with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure were prescribed the drug as a precautionary measure.
The charity Diabetes UK has recently published new aspirin guidelines which recommend that people with diabetes who do not have a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) should speak to their healthcare team before taking aspirin as protection from heart disease in the future.
Diabetes UK recommends that aspirin should be offered to people with diabetes who already have a history of CVD. They say people without a history of cardiovascular disease who are already taking aspirin should continue to do so until they have discussed their individual circumstances with their healthcare team.