Key points

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which include coronary ischemic syndrome and cerebrovascular disease; They are the leading cause of death in our country, both in men and women.
• Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is one of the most widely used medications today for both primary and secondary prevention of CVD.
• The biggest drawback of taking aspirin is that it increases the risk of intracranial and gastrointestinal bleeding, the risk increases with age and can be life-threatening.
• According to the latest evidence patients aged 40 to 59 years who have no history of CVD (primary prevention) should decide with their doctor whether the benefit of taking aspirin outweighs the risk of possible bleeding (GRADE C). Factors such as age, individual risk of CVD and bleeding, and patient preferences must be taken into account.
  • Grade C: individual assessment according to professional criteria and patient preferences. There is moderate evidence that the ultimate benefit is small.
• According to the latest evidence patients 60 years or older without a history of CVD (primary prevention) should NOT start taking aspirin, as the risk of bleeding outweighs the possible benefits of aspirin (GRADE D).
  • Grade D: the use of aspirin is discouraged in these patients. There is moderate-high evidence that the risk outweighs the benefits.
• This recommendation does not apply to patients who already take aspirin or who have previously had CVD (secondary prevention).

Sources:

Task Force Issues Draft Recommendation Statement on Aspirin Use to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org)

Grade Definitions United States Preventive Services Taskforce (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org)