New view on aspirin

New medical recommendations in the UK warn that taking aspirin is ineffective in reducing the danger for those suffering heart rhythm disorders and that the risks of side effects outweigh the benefits.

Until now, adults suffering from atrial fibrillation have been advised to take a daily dose of aspirin - a blood-thinning drug - as the heart condition often causes clots, resulting in a high risk of stroke.

Amy Thompson, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "The new guidelines reflect the growing body of evidence that Warfarin and newer anticoagulants are much more effective at preventing stroke.

"But this does not mean aspirin is not an effective means of preventing heart attacks and strokes in other circumstances."