Aspirin not justified in primary prevention

The use of low-dose aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease should be abandoned, according to the BMJ’s Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. Currently available evidence does not justify its routine use, even in individuals estimated to be at high risk of experiencing CV events, including those with diabetes or elevated blood pressure, the bulletin said. “This is because of the potential risk of serious bleeds and lack of effect on mortality,” the article stated. “We believe, therefore, that low-dose aspirin prophylaxis should not be routinely initiated for primary prevention. With respect to those people already taking low-dose aspirin for primary prevention the decision about whether to continue with the treatment should be taken by both the patient and a healthcare professional in light of the available evidence.” Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2009;47:122-125;doi:10.1136/dtb.2009.10.0045...