The United States Prevention Task Force (USPTF) recently revised their recommendations for aspirin use to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The USPSTF concluded “with moderate certainty that aspirin use for the primary prevention of CVD events in adults ages 40 to 59 years who have a 10% or greater 10-year CVD risk has a small net benefit.” They noted that the decision to take aspirin should be an “individual one.” They also noted that individuals who are not at risk of bleeding and those willing to take aspirin daily will benefit the most by taking it.
In contrast, for people 60 and over, “The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that initiating aspirin use for the primary prevention of CVD events in adults age 60 years or older has no net benefit.”
Previously, USPTF recommended starting low-dose aspirin to prevent both cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer in those ages 50 to 59 who had a 10 percent or greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The CVD risk is calculated using metrics set forth by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). This calculation factors in age, gender, ethnicity, HDL and total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, as well as co-morbidities like hypertension, smoking and diabetes.
Ultimately, as with most things in medicine, the decision comes down to risk versus benefit. The USPTF report noted “Decisions about initiating aspirin use should be based on shared decision-making between clinicians and patients about the potential benefits and harms.” This is a conversation you should have with your medical provider to help you decide whether or not taking aspirin is right for you.
Jeremiah Robinson is a certified and licensed physician associate with T Douglas Gurley MD in Atlanta, GA.