"Aspirin Top"by Canardo is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

USPSTF Narrows Recommendations for Daily Aspirin Use

Gbenga Ogedegbe, MD, MPH Dr. Adolph & Margaret Berger Professor of Population Health Director, Division of Health & Behavior Director Center for Healthful Behavior Change Department of Population Health NYU Langone Health NYU School of Medicine

Dr. Ogedegbe

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Gbenga Ogedegbe, MD, MPH
Dr. Adolph & Margaret Berger Professor of Population Health
Director, Division of Health & Behavior
Director Center for Healthful Behavior Change
Department of Population Health
NYU Langone Health
NYU School of Medicine
Member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  What are the main findings?

Response: Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of mortality in the United States, accounting for more than one in four deaths.

Taking a daily aspirin may help prevent a first heart attack or stroke in some people, but it can also cause some harm, like internal bleeding. The decision on whether or not to start taking a daily aspirin should be based primarily on age, but cardiovascular disease risk, a person’s chances of bleeding, and other factors should also be taken into account.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: If someone 40 to 59 years old is thinking about whether to start taking a daily aspirin, and they have no history of heart disease or stroke, they should consult with their clinician to determine if taking aspirin is right for them. If someone is 60 years old or older and doesn’t have a history of heart disease or strokes, they should not start taking a daily aspirin. Importantly, this recommendation is not for people who are currently taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, nor for those who have had a heart attack or stroke in the past.

Any decisions about if and when to stop taking aspiring should be made with a healthcare professional.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Recent trials have provided important new information about the risks and benefits of taking a daily aspirin, but there is still more we need to know. We’re calling for more research on how to better estimate the risk of heart disease, stroke, and chance of bleeding in people from all racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: Aspirin use is only beneficial for people who are at higher risk for heart disease. Regardless of age, people who are concerned about their risk of heart disease should talk to their healthcare professional to figure out what steps they can take to keep healthy.

Citation:

  • Guirguis-Blake JM, Evans CV, Perdue LA, Bean SI, Senger CA. Aspirin Use to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Colorectal Cancer: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. 2022;327(16):1585–1597. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.3337
  • Editorial: Brett AS. Should Patients Take Aspirin for Primary Cardiovascular Prevention? Updated Recommendations From the US Preventive Services

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Last Updated on May 4, 2022 by Marie Benz MD FAAD