Association between prophylactic aspirin use and hypertension using data from NHANES 2011-2018

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Hypertension Epidemiology
• Pharmacological Studies

Background:

• Inadequate previous studies on aspirin use, dosage, and hypertension association.
• Inconsistent results from existing research on aspirin and hypertension.
• Need for comprehensive assessment in a representative U.S. adult population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between prophylactic aspirin use and hypertension in U.S. adults.
• To analyze the impact of different aspirin dosages (low vs. high) on hypertension prevalence.
• To provide robust data on aspirin's role in hypertension management.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2018) data.
• Analysis of a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 40 and older (n=5297).
• Categorization of aspirin use (none, low dose ≤100 mg, high dose >100 mg) and hypertension definition (systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg).

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in hypertension incidence across aspirin use groups (non-aspirin: 70.2%, low-dose: 68.3%, high-dose: 68.0%; p=0.71).
• Multivariate logistic regression showed no association between prophylactic aspirin use and hypertension (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.89-1.38).
• Subgroup and sensitivity analyses, including exclusion of diabetic patients, confirmed these findings.

Conclusions:

• Prophylactic aspirin use, regardless of dosage, is not significantly associated with the prevalence of hypertension in U.S. adults.
• Findings suggest current aspirin use patterns do not impact hypertension rates in this population.
• Further research may explore aspirin's effects in specific subgroups or different cardiovascular contexts.