 Despite aspirin being able to prevent a second heart attack or stroke only just over a third of survivors take it, a new study has revealed. Taken daily, the low-cost pill can slash the risk of another attack by a quarter. Yet despite cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death globally an average of only 39.3% of people worldwide were taking aspirin following a heart attack or stroke. In low income countries it was as low as 16.6%, rising to 65% in high-income countries such as the US. Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis and the University of Michigan produced the study, published in JAMA. Since studies in the 1970s and 80s revealed that antiplatelet therapy can reduce recurrence of heart attacks and strokes, a daily aspirin has been recommended. Myriad factors contribute to the risk of heart attacks and strokes such as smoking, diabetes, unhealthy diet, genetics, lack of exercise, obesity and even air pollution. Aspirin works as a blood thinner, preventing small blood cells called platelets from forming clots. 'Survivors of heart attacks and stroke often face a high risk of having subsequent events,' said Dr Sang Gune Yoo, in the Cardiovascular Division at Washington University School of Medicine. 'In fact, many people die from having recurring attacks. An aspirin prescription can cost as little as 5p per day (Picture: Getty/Image Source) 'Aspirin offers one effective and relatively low-cost option for reducing the likelihood of additional events in individuals with established cardiovascular disease, and yet most people who could benefit from a daily aspirin don't take it.' The team said there was no clear reason why so few people took it but possible explanations could be varying accessibility to health care in general, inconsistent messaging surrounding use of the drug, and the fact that aspirin is not always available over-the-counter, re){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Despite aspirin being able to prevent a second heart attack or stroke only just over a third of survivors take it, a new study has revealed.
Taken daily, the low-cost pill can slash the risk of another attack by a quarter.
Yet despite cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death globally an average of only 39.3% of people worldwide were taking aspirin following a heart attack or stroke.
In low income countries it was as low as 16.6%, rising to 65% in high-income countries such as the US.