Daily Aspirin Use Could Pose 'Life-Threatening' Dangers Warns Top Cardiologist
A leading London cardiologist has issued a stark warning that taking aspirin daily could be "life-threatening" for millions of Britons, with potentially fatal side effects outweighing benefits for many users.
Professor Malcolm Finlay, consultant cardiologist at Barts Heart Centre in Central London, revealed the serious dangers associated with routine aspirin consumption, stating that side effects including internal bleeding are "no joke" and could prove fatal in severe cases.
Widespread Use Despite Changing Guidance
According to medical estimates, approximately two million people across the United Kingdom continue to take aspirin daily, many as a preventative measure against heart disease. The painkiller, originally developed in the 1890s and available both on prescription and over-the-counter, has been widely prescribed for decades as a blood thinner to reduce cardiovascular risks.
However, Professor Finlay emphasised that medical understanding has evolved significantly, telling reporters: "For patients who've suffered a heart attack or stroke in the past, then there's still a good argument for taking daily aspirin. But, for everyone else, there's very little benefit."
Serious Side Effects Outweigh Benefits
Recent research indicates that aspirin provides minimal protection for individuals without existing cardiac or circulatory conditions, while simultaneously increasing their risk of dangerous complications. A comprehensive 2019 study conducted by the UK's National Heart and Lung Institute concluded that daily aspirin benefits are "limited" for those without underlying heart problems, while significantly elevating the risk of serious internal bleeding.
The potential side effects, which Professor Finlay described from personal experience after suffering a major stomach bleed while taking aspirin for a back injury, include:
- Coughing up blood or blood appearing in urine, vomit, or stools
- Yellowing of skin or eyes indicating liver problems
- Painful joints signalling high uric acid levels
- Swollen hands or feet suggesting water retention
- Stomach ulcers and potential allergic reactions
Updated NHS Guidance and Historical Impact
Official medical guidance has undergone substantial revision in recent years. In 2021, the NHS updated its recommendations to state that people should only take aspirin daily if specifically advised by a doctor. This was followed in 2023 by instructions to GPs not to routinely prescribe aspirin to patients who have never experienced a heart attack.
Historical analysis suggests that during the early 2000s, when aspirin prescriptions reached their peak, the medication may have contributed to approximately 7,000 deaths annually across the UK, primarily through increased bleeding risks including potentially fatal brain haemorrhages.
Current Recommendations and Alternative Treatments
The NHS continues to recommend daily aspirin for individuals who have previously suffered strokes or heart attacks, with the crucial caveat that anyone currently taking aspirin under medical supervision should not cease without consulting their doctor.
Professor Finlay noted that many GPs who prescribe aspirin simultaneously prescribe protective medications like omeprazole or lansoprazole to guard against side effects. However, he cautioned against long-term use of such combinations, stating: "Aspirin and anti-acid drugs like omeprazole should not be taken long term. There's a reason why the NHS doesn't recommend using aspirin in this way any more. We have much better cardiovascular treatments that don't have these negative effects."
Important Safety Information
Common side effects affecting more than one in a hundred users include:
- Indigestion and stomach aches
- Increased bleeding tendency including frequent nosebleeds and bruising
- Nausea or vomiting
The NHS advises taking aspirin with food to minimise stomach-related issues and strongly recommends never administering aspirin to children under 16 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition causing liver and brain damage.
Medical professionals urge anyone experiencing serious side effects including signs of internal bleeding, breathing difficulties, or severe allergic reactions to seek immediate medical attention through NHS 111 services or emergency departments.
