Aspirin for Primary Prevention

Med Clin North Am. 2017 Jul;101(4):713-724. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2017.03.004.

Abstract

Aspirin reduces the risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke, and the risk of colorectal cancer. Aspirin increases the risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding. The best available evidence supports initiating aspirin in select populations. In 2016, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended initiating aspirin for the primary prevention of both cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer among adults ages 50 to 59 who are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Adults 60 to 69 who are at increased cardiovascular disease risk may also benefit. There remains considerable uncertainty about whether younger and older patients may benefit.

Keywords: Aspirin; Cardiovascular disease prevention; Colorectal cancer prevention; Guidelines.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aspirin / administration & dosage*
  • Aspirin / adverse effects
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Diabetes Mellitus / epidemiology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / epidemiology
  • Lipids / blood
  • Myocardial Infarction / prevention & control
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Primary Prevention / methods*
  • Racial Groups
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Stroke / prevention & control

Substances

  • Lipids
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Aspirin