[Aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Acetylsalicylic acid (aspir1) is a widely used medication globally.
• Its antithrombotic action stems from inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1, reducing thromboxane A2 synthesis and irreversibly suppressing platelet aggregation.
• Aspirin is beneficial for treating and preventing atherosclerotic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the controversial use of aspirin for primary prevention of atherosclerotic diseases.
• To assess the risk-benefit balance of aspirin in patients without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

• The study reviews recent evidence on aspirin's efficacy and safety for primary prevention.
• Analysis focuses on comparing the reduction in ischemic events versus the risk of major bleeding.

Main Results:

• The use of aspirin for primary prevention in patients without atherosclerotic diseases is controversial.
• Recent evidence indicates that the risk of major bleeding associated with aspirin outweighs the potential benefits of reducing ischemic events in this population.

Conclusions:

• General use of aspirin for primary prevention is not recommended due to an unfavorable risk-benefit profile.
• The decision to use aspirin for primary prevention should be individualized based on a thorough risk assessment.