Annals of Internal Medicine published a 2009 update to the recommendations for aspirin use in the prevention of stroke and miocardial infarction. These recommendations are issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Recommendations, aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease:
- 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. (Grade 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)
Clinical summary table
