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Aspirin in cardiology--benefits and risks
L Björklund1, M-A Wallander, S Johansson
1Pharmacy Program, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
International Journal of Clinical Practice
|February 19, 2009
Summary
Long-term aspirin therapy offers benefits for cardiovascular disease prevention but carries risks like gastrointestinal bleeding. Lower aspirin doses are recommended to minimize side effects while maintaining efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Aspirin is widely used for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention.
- Understanding the long-term benefits and risks of aspirin therapy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the benefits and risks of long-term aspirin therapy for CVD prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of English articles from 1996-2006.
- Databases searched include Current Contents Science Edition, EMBASE, and MEDLINE.
Main Results:
- Secondary aspirin prophylaxis effectively reduces ischemic events in CVD patients.
- Primary prevention shows mixed results: reduced ischemic stroke but increased hemorrhagic stroke.
- Aspirin increases risks of GI ulcers, bleeding, and other hemorrhagic complications.
- Lower aspirin doses reduce GI side effects and maintain cardiovascular risk reduction.
- Co-therapy with NSAIDs, clopidogrel, or warfarin increases GI risks; proton pump inhibitors reduce them.
Conclusions:
- Careful consideration of aspirin's benefits and risks is essential, especially for primary prevention.
- Lower aspirin doses are recommended over higher doses per guidelines.
- Proton pump inhibitors may be necessary for high-risk patients to prevent GI complications.
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