Low dose aspirin no benefit for low risk patients

Low dose aspirin use in low risk cardiovascular patients resulted in no protective benefit and put the patients at a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke. A review conducted by the FDA prompted an advisory last year warning that the evidence just isn't there to support using aspirin as the primary therapy to prevent heart attack and stroke in low risk patients. A Japanese randomized trial echoed this assessment by the FDA. The determination was made after evaluating a national registry of cardiology practices. Researchers found that 11.6% of aspirin use in primary prevention by cardiologists was among patents below the recommended 6% 10-year baseline risk threshold. Cardiovascular patients should consult with their cardiologist with any questions or concerns regarding aspirin therapy and the potential risks and benefits of such therapy.