Aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in women

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Preventive Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The role of aspirin in primary cardiovascular disease prevention remains a subject of ongoing research and clinical debate.
• Existing guidelines offer varying recommendations on aspirin use for primary prevention, necessitating clearer evidence-based guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in specific female populations.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for the appropriate use of low-dose aspirin in women for primary cardiovascular event prevention.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies.
• Risk stratification models were used to assess 10-year cardiovascular risk and bleeding risk.

Main Results:

• Low-dose aspirin may be considered for primary prevention in women aged 40-59 with a 10-year cardiovascular risk of 10% or higher, provided they have no increased bleeding risk.
• The use of low-dose aspirin for primary prevention is not advised for women with low cardiovascular risk or for women aged 60 years and older.

Conclusions:

• Individualized assessment of cardiovascular and bleeding risk is crucial when considering low-dose aspirin for primary prevention in women.
• Current evidence suggests a selective approach to low-dose aspirin use in women, targeting those at higher cardiovascular risk within a specific age group.