A recent analysis of a clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health has revealed that the long-term use of low-dose aspirin in older adults is linked to a 20% increased risk of developing anemia and a decrease in blood iron levels. The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, involved 19,114 healthy adults aged 65 or older who were randomly assigned to take either 100mg of aspirin or a placebo. The aim was to examine the effects of low-dose aspirin on incident anemia, as well as hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations.
Over the course of the trial, the participants’ hemoglobin concentration was monitored annually, and three years after the baseline measurement, their ferritin levels were assessed. The results showed that taking low-dose aspirin daily seemed to contribute to an increased risk of anemia and a reduction in ferritin and hemoglobin levels, irrespective of major bleeding.
According to a study published in Neurology, anemia is relatively common among older adults, with up to 23% of individuals over the age of 65 developing the condition. Anemia is characterized by low levels of hemoglobin and often leads to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart problems.
The study’s findings are significant considering that nearly half of older adults in the United States take aspirin for preventive purposes, such as thinning the blood to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes.
Lead author Zoe McQuilten, an associate professor at Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, emphasized that while bleeding is a known side effect of aspirin, few previous studies have examined the impact of prolonged aspirin use on the progressive development of anemia in older adults. McQuilten added that the risk of anemia from aspirin use is likely to be higher in older adults with underlying diseases, like kidney disease.
In light of these findings, the researchers recommended that older adults who regularly take low-dose aspirin be closely monitored by their healthcare providers for signs of anemia. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of this potential risk and take appropriate measures to ensure the well-being of their patients.
Disclaimer: This article was written by Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, a writer on the breaking news team for Fox News Digital. Connect with her on Twitter at @s_rumpfwhitten.
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