Aspirin for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events: An Update of the Evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

摘要

Coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease are leading causes of death in the United States. In 2002, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) strongly recommended that clinicians discuss aspirin with adults who are at increase risk for coronary heart disease. The purpose of this document is to determine the benefits and harms of taking aspirin for the primary prevention of myocardial infarctions, strokes and death. There is limited new evidence on aspirin for the primary prevention of CVD. The dose of aspirin used in the RCTs varied preventing the estimation of the most appropriate dose for primary prevention. Several of the RCTs were performed in health professionals potentially limiting generalizability. Aspirin reduces the risk of myocardial infarctions in men and strokes in women. The risk of serious bleeding is increased with aspirin use.