J Lipid Atheroscler.  2019 Sep;8(2):162-172. 10.12997/jla.2019.8.2.162.

Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

• Kim JH
• Shim MJ
• Lee SY
• Oh J
• Kim SH

• KMID: 2458381
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12997/jla.2019.8.2.162

Abstract

Aspirin has been used for decades for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effect of aspirin in secondary prevention is well-known but is still debatable for primary prevention. Despite the controversy, aspirin is believed to have a beneficial effect in primary prevention and has been widely used. However, whether the doubts concerning the wide use of aspirin are correct has resulted in the publication of data from several large clinical trials recently. There are several clinical guidelines from various international organizations on the use of aspirin for the primary prevention of CVD, and they offer some conflicting recommendations. A reduction in the overall incidence of CVD with the development of modern prevention therapies has weakened the impact of aspirin in primary prevention. Large randomized clinical trials have found decreased or no difference in CVD events but a significant increase in the risk of bleeding. Taking aspirin for the primary prevention of CVD is no longer recommended, especially for patients who have a low to moderate risk. An assessment of the balance between the benefits and risks of aspirin use should be considered.

Keyword

Aspirin; Primary prevention; Cardiovascular diseases

MeSH Terms

Aspirin*
Cardiovascular Diseases*
Hemorrhage
Humans
Incidence
Primary Prevention*
Publications
Risk Assessment
Secondary Prevention
Aspirin

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