Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Aspirin 'not to blame' for stomach bleeding - that's due to a bug, say scientists

Thousands of patients are unable to take daily aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke, because of the risk of stomach bleeding.
Instead, they have to be given more expensive and sometimes less effective treatments.
But, now, scientists have identified what they think is the real cause of stomach bleeding linked to aspirin — a common stomach bug.
Low-dose daily aspirin is a lifesaver, helping to prevent blood clots in the arteries supplying the heart and brain
Low-dose daily aspirin is a lifesaver, helping to prevent blood clots in the arteries supplying the heart and brain
This new theory could transform the way many people with cardiovascular disease are treated. 
It also opens up the possibility that otherwise healthy people, who are currently advised not to take a daily aspirin, because of the risk of bleeding, might be able to take it safely for its cancer-preventing benefits.
Low-dose daily aspirin is a lifesaver, helping to prevent blood clots in the arteries supplying the heart and brain.
It is also prescribed for problems such as atrial fibrillation, a common condition that causes an irregular heartbeat, as this can also lead to the formation of blood clots. 
 


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2097418/Aspirin-blame-stomach-bleeding--thats-bug-say-scientists.html#ixzz1lj6GAOv1