Aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.
METHODS
Update of the 2002 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation about the use of aspirin for the prevention of coronary heart disease.


METHODS
Review of the literature since 2002, focusing on new evidence on the benefits and harms of aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and stroke. The new evidence was reviewed and synthesized according to sex.


CONCLUSIONS
Encourage men age 45 to 79 years to use aspirin when the potential benefit of a reduction in myocardial infarctions outweighs the potential harm of an increase in gastrointestinal hemorrhage. (A recommendation) Encourage women age 55 to 79 years to use aspirin when the potential benefit of a reduction in ischemic strokes outweighs the potential harm of an increase in gastrointestinal hemorrhage. (A recommendation) Evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention in men and women 80 years or older. (I statement) Do not encourage aspirin use for cardiovascular disease prevention in women younger than 55 years and in men younger than 45 years. (D recommendation).
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000517:prevention & control; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011322:Primary Prevention; D018570:Risk Assessment
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin