Anemia is a condition defined by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to decreased oxygen transportation to the bodys tissues. Now, new research study recommends that daily aspirin use might be a contributing element to this health issue.
A current analysis of information from the landmark ASPREE trial exposed that prolonged everyday aspirin usage increased anemia risk by 20 percent in individuals predominantly aged 70 and above.
Because of these findings, scientists suggest routine anemia checks for senior individuals on low-dose aspirin. In addition, they advise such adults to consult their GP regarding any health or medication concerns.
The Monash University-led study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, followed 18,153 at first healthy older adults in Australia and the USA and taped incidents of anemia over approximately 4.7 years. The danger of establishing anemia was found to be 20 percent higher in the aspirin group compared to those in the placebo group.
Now, brand-new research suggests that everyday aspirin use might be a contributing element to this health concern.
Partner Professor McQuilten urged patients to follow the guidance of their doctor about their everyday usage of aspirin. She cautioned that for some older adults, aspirin was suggested as an important therapy to prevent repeating heart attacks or stroke. “Patients should not alter their aspirin program without speaking to their GP,” she said.
It was the largest study to investigate anemia in older individuals as part of a randomized controlled trial, ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly)– with half the individuals taking a placebo and the other half a daily low dosage (100mg) of aspirin.
Anemia is frequently experienced by older adults, potentially impacting general function and increasing tiredness, impairments, depressive symptoms, and cognitive problems. In addition to a greater risk of anemia, blood tests exposed a much faster decline of hemoglobin and reduced ferritin (a protein that brings iron) levels in the aspirin group compared to the placebo group.
Lead author, Associate Professor Zoe McQuilten from Monash Universitys School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, stated while bleeding was a known side-effect of aspirin, few previous research studies had actually taken a look at the impact of prolonged aspirin use on the progressive advancement of anemia in older grownups.
” This study offers a clearer image of the additional risk of ending up being anemic with aspirin use and the impact is likely to be greater in older adults with hidden illness, such as kidney disease,” Associate Professor McQuilten stated.
Partner Professor McQuilten said the new data provided doctors insight into the threat of anemia from extended aspirin use by their older clients. “Older grownups are most likely to end up being anaemic generally and now medical professionals can potentially recognize patients at greater threat of developing anaemia,” she said.
Associate Professor McQuilten prompted patients to follow the guidance of their physician about their everyday usage of aspirin. She warned that for some older grownups, aspirin was suggested as an important therapy to prevent repeating cardiac arrest or stroke. “Patients need to not alter their aspirin program without talking to their GP,” she stated.
Referral: “Effect of Low-Dose Aspirin Versus Placebo on Incidence of Anemia in the Elderly– A Secondary Analysis of the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly Trial” by Zoe K. McQuilten, Le Thi Phuong Thao, Sant-Rayn Pasricha, Andrew S. Artz, Michael Bailey, Andrew T. Chan, Harvey Jay Cohen, Jessica E. Lockery, Anne M. Murray, Mark R. Nelson, Hans G. Schneider, Rory Wolfe, Robyn L. Woods, Erica M. Wood and John J. McNeil, July 2023, Annals of Internal Medicine.DOI: 10.7326/ M23-0675.
The study was moneyed by the National Institute on Aging, the National Cancer Institute, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and the Victorian Cancer Agency.