Efficacy and Safety of Aspirin for Primary Cardiovascular Risk Prevention in Younger and Older Age: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 173,810 Subjects from 21 Randomized Studies

Author(s): Dario Calderone , Antonio Greco , Salvatore Ingala , Federica Agnello , Gabriele Franchina , Lorenzo Scalia , Sergio Buccheri , Davide Capodanno
Source: Thromb Haemost 2022; 122(03): 445-455 DOI: 10.1055/a-1667-7427

Dr. Lucio Gordan's Thoughts

The debate insofar as aspirin in primary prevention of death has raged for decades. This very large study demonstrates potential benefit for younger population (7% benefit), but in general there is no significant impact in all-cause mortality and risk of major bleeding was noticeable. In my opinion, it is reasonable to consider low dose aspirin for individuals 50-60 years of age, especially with risk factors for CV disease.

ABSTRACT

AIMS

The efficacy and safety of aspirin for primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of aspirin in subjects with no overt CVD, with a focus on age as a treatment modifier.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Randomized trials comparing aspirin use versus no aspirin use or placebo were included. The primary efficacy outcome was all-cause death. The primary safety outcome was major bleeding. Secondary ischemic and bleeding outcomes were explored. Subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the consistency of the effect sizes in studies including younger and older individuals, using a cut-off of 65 years. A total of 21 randomized trials including 173,810 individuals at a mean follow-up of 5.3 years were included. Compared with control, aspirin did not reduce significantly the risk of all-cause death (risk ratio: 0.96; 95% confidence interval: 0.92–1.00, p = 0.057). Major adverse cardiovascular events were significantly reduced by 11%, paralleled by significant reductions in myocardial infarction and transient ischemic attack. Major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal bleeding were significantly increased by aspirin. There was a significant age interaction for death (p for interaction = 0.007), with aspirin showing a statistically significant 7% relative benefit on all-cause death in studies including younger patients.

CONCLUSION

The use of aspirin in subjects with no overt CVD was associated with a neutral effect on all-cause death and a modest lower risk of major cardiovascular events at the price of an increased risk in major bleeding. The benefit of aspirin might be more pronounced in younger individuals.

Author Affiliations

Dario Calderone Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Antonio Greco Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Salvatore Ingala Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Federica Agnello Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Gabriele Franchina Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Lorenzo Scalia Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Sergio Buccheri 2   Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Davide Capodanno Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” University of Catania, Catania, Italy;

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