Use of aspirin does not prevent cardiovascular disease deaths

The use of aspirin to ward off heart attacks and strokes in those who do not have obvious cardiovascular disease should be abandoned, «BBC» reports referring to researchers.

The Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) study says aspirin can cause serious internal bleeding and does not prevent cardiovascular disease deaths.

But many thousands of people all over the world are believed to be taking aspirin as a protective measure before they have any heart symptoms.

Between 2005 and 2008, the DTB said four sets of guidelines were published recommending aspirin for the "primary prevention" of cardiovascular disease - in patients who had shown no sign of the disease. But the DTB said a recent analysis showed aspirin could have quite a threatening influence.