Usefulness of Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Aspirin use in the prevention of cardiovascular events has been a mainstay of treatment for decades. However, the use of aspirin in primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has recently come under scrutiny. Several recent studies have evaluated the use of aspirin in primary prevention and the results suggest that in many patients the risks may outweigh the benefits. Closer examination of these trials suggests that the use of aspirin therapy for primary prevention may have a role but likely needs a more tailored approach and that caution is needed in prescribing aspirin for primary prevention. In conclusion, in this article we review the evolving evidence for aspirin in the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.