The ASPREE Study
Understanding Anemia
What is anemia? Furthermore, this is magnified in r older adults, A recent study published in July 2023 in the Annals of Internal Medicine has created a furvert. Anemia is a condition in which the blood doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Skin pallor
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- A fast heartbeat.
Treatment depends on the cause of the diagnosis. If there is an Iron deficiency, your pill box will be loaded with iron pills. Vitamin B supplements have been used to raise low vitamin levels. Blood transfusions may be used for blood loss. Prescription medication protocols may be enacted to induce blood cell formation.
The use of Aspirin
A
small, white pill that has long been a staple in the world’s medicine cabinets. Aspirin has a reputation as a preventive measure against heart diseases. It is in many seniors pill organizers for their daily dose. Hailed for its potential cardiovascular benefits. Aspirins, has been recommended by physicians. They claim it is a ” as a simple, low-cost intervention”. However, with each passing decade the research around medication advances, and what was once considered a universal truth is being reevaluated. You Shouldn’t Ignore the new information.
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The ASPREE (Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) recorded aspirin’s effect on seniors. The research focused on community-dwelling individuals aged 70 and above. The race of the participants were Black and Hispanic individuals.
The first group was given a 100 mg dose of aspirin daily. The second group received a placebo.
A placebo is any treatment that has no active properties, such as a sugar pill. There are many clinical trials where a person who has taken the placebo instead of the active treatment has reported an improvement in symptoms. Belief in a treatment may be enough to change the course of a person’s physical illness.
First of all, the researchers monitored potential differences between these groups. Second, they tracked the onset of anemia; Third, they measured the hemoglobin concentrations as well as the levels of serum ferritin.
The outcomes were shocking. The data showed that the first group, the one on aspirin had a 180% higher risk of developing anemia. Specifically, the aspirin group registered 51.9 anemia incidents per 1000 person as opposed to 43.6 in the placebo group. The decline in hemoglobin was even worse. Hemoglobin is needed to transport oxygen in the body. Examining iron storage, the research revealed that the aspirin cohort experienced a sharper drop in ferritin, a protein indicating iron levels.
Perspective from a Cardiologist
John D. Bisognano, is the clinical professor of medicine and director of General, Consultative, and Preventive Cardiology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Bisoganno offers insights on the American College of Cardiology’s site findings of the ASPREE study. He notes , aspirin use has long been linked to a heightened risk of significant bleeding. A particularly concerning revelation from the study was the higher overall death rate among those taking aspirin. The number of deaths from cancer led the way. Dr. Bisognano points out that the medical community has treated this surprising result with a healthy dose of caution.
While the risk of bleeding from aspirin use is well-known. Dr. Bisognano emphasizes the overlooked concern of anemia, especially among older adults. The consequences of anemia in this age group range from functional decline to more profound psychological impacts. For example, depression.
In light of these findings, Dr. Bisognano urges a cautious approach. He suggests that doctors reconsider the routine prescription of daily aspirin, especially if the risks outweigh the benefits. If aspirin is deemed necessary for some seniors, they should be closely monitored for anemia and decreased ferritin levels to ensure their overall well-being. To sum up, what are the Anemia Risk in Seniors. There is no simple answer.
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