Aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular events

Hankey, Graeme J; Eikelboom, John W

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04833.x

Topics

Benefits depend on the patient’s absolute cardiovascular and bleeding risks

The benefit of aspirin for patients with previous symptomatic atherothrombosis of the heart, brain and limb in the secondary prevention of recurrent serious vascular events is well established. However, the role of aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease among people who have no symptoms of vascular disease is controversial.1 A recent summary of the evidence has prompted recommendations from the third US Preventive Services Task Force2,3 and the American Heart Association.4

Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA.

Correspondence: gjhankey@cyllene.uwa.edu.au

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