Healthy living
Medicines and supplements
Aspirin may help women live longer
Taking low or moderate doses of aspirin could significantly reduce women’s risk of dying early, according to a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School monitored aspirin use in nearly 80,000 women aged 35 to 60 over a period of 20 years. What they found was that taking a regular aspirin dose (1-14 tablets per week) for one to five years was associated with significant reductions in deaths from any cause, but especially those due to heart-related diseases.
The women who reported taking low to moderate doses of aspirin had a 25 per cent lower risk of death from any cause than women who never used aspirin regularly. Aspirin users had a 38 per cent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and a 12 per cent lower risk of death from cancer. Older participants and those with other cardiovasuclar risk factors enjoyed the greatest health improvements. Women who took high doses of aspirin (more than 14 tablets a week) did not appear to benefit, however.
The research team believe that aspirin may reduce the risk of death for many different reasons. It helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, when cells are damaged by exposure to oxygen.
Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, says: 'There is good evidence to suggest that people who have had a heart attack, or are considered at risk of heart disease benefit from being prescribed aspirin.' However, he concludes that the study should not be used as evidence in favour of all women tasking aspirin to prevent heart disease as aspirin is associated with a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Tips to keep your heart healthy
- Stay physically active - aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity five or more days a week.
- Eat a balanced diet; this should include plenty of fruit and veg, oily fish and wholegrain bread, and cut down on saturated fat, salt and sugar.
- Reduce your alcohol intake.
- Stop smoking.
- Keep an eye on your cholesterol level - too much cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of getting heart and circulatory disease.
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
