Recent guidelines have limited aspirin use for preventing heart attacks and strokes in healthy adults, but a new perspective challenges these recommendations. Researchers argue that key decisions about aspirin may be based on flawed interpretations of a key trial.
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommend limiting aspirin use to people under 70, while the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowers that age limit to 60. However, experts say stopping aspirin use based solely on age could be harmful.
Individualized risk assessment is key, according to Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., FACPM, co-author and professor of medicine at Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine. The primary care provider has the most complete knowledge about the overall benefits and risks for each patient and should make individual clinical decisions.
The authors note that metabolic syndrome affects about 40% of Americans 40 years of age and older and is increasing globally. Patients with metabolic syndrome have high risks of a first heart attack and stroke, which may approach those of patients with prior events.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 859,000 Americans die of heart attacks or strokes every year, accounting for more than 1 in 3 of all US deaths. These common and serious diseases take a significant economic toll, costing $213.8 billion each year to the healthcare system.
The researchers suggest that guidelines for aspirin in primary prevention do not seem justified. Instead, individual clinical judgment by physicians over blanket guidelines is needed to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
Overall, the new perspective highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to aspirin use in healthy adults, one that takes into account individual risk factors and benefits. By prioritizing patient-centered care, healthcare providers can help reduce the burden of heart attacks and strokes on individuals and society as a whole.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/the-trial-that-misled-millions-why-doctors-are-rethinking-aspirin-guidelines