They also advised that aspirin could be included in a so-called ''polypill'' with an anti-cholesterol statin and a blood pressure drug, which could be taken by everyone aged over 50.
Experts have said that a substantial numbers of ''worried well'' take aspirin as a ''just in case'' measure believing that because it has been around for such a long time it is completely safe. The results of the Scottish study have added to the growing evidence that the risks outweigh the benefits for healthy people.
"Our research suggests that aspirin should not be prescribed to the general population at this stage," the Telegraph quoted Prof. Gerry Fowkes, of the Wolfson Unit for Prevention of Peripheral Vascular Disease in Edinburgh, as saying.
He added: "Aspirin probably leads to a minor reduction in future events but the problem is that has to be weighed against an increase in bleeding. Some of that bleeding can be quite serious and lead to death."
Prof. Peter Weissberg, Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, which part-funded the study, said: "A lot of the worried well buy a small dose of aspirin over the counter not understanding that they are increasing their risk substantially of a major bleed." He said that it is known that aspirin does reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems but this must be countered against the increased risk of internal bleeding.
