USPSTF Reverses Recommendation on Aspirin Use for Preventing CVD

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is currently updating its 2016 recommendations for the use of aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Among the first updates is to not prescribe low-dose aspirin for middle-aged patients with a 10% or higher risk for CVD, which is a complete reversal of the 2016 recommendation.

“The decision to initiate low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of CVD in adults ages 40 to 59 years who have a 10% or greater 10-year CVD risk should be an individual one,” the USPSTF wrote. “Evidence indicates that the net benefit of aspirin use in this group is small. Persons who are not at increased risk for bleeding and are willing to take low-dose aspirin daily are more likely to benefit.”

Moreover, the USPSTF is recommending against initiating low-dose aspirin for preventing CVD among adults aged 60 years or older.

“The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that initiating aspirin use for the primary prevention of CVD events in adults aged 60 years or older has no net benefit,” the USPSTF wrote.

The draft recommendation statement is open for comment until November 8, 2021, at which time the USPSTF will finalize their recommendations.

—Amanda Balbi

Reference

US Preventive Services Task Force. Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease: preventive medication. Draft recommendations published October 12, 2021. Accessed October 12, 2021. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/draft-recommendation/aspirin-use-to-prevent-cardiovascular-disease-preventive-medication