[Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with acetylsalicylic acid: in high-risk patients].
In the recently published placebo-controlled 'Women's health study', use of acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg daily in healthy women older than 45 years protected against having a stroke. In men, higher doses of acetylsalicylic acid protects against myocardial infarction. However, risk reduction using acetylsalicylic acid is only clinically relevant if the absolute risk of cardiovascular disease is high. Countering vascular-risk factors reduces the chance of cardiovascular complications much more than the use of acetylsalicylic acid and therefore should be pursued without any reservation.
Kappelle
L J
LJ
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, afd. Neurologie, huispostnummer G03.228, Postbus 85.500, 3508 GA Utrecht. l.kappelle@neuro.azu.nl
D000367:Age Factors; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001241:Aspirin