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A new study published in the journal Circulation is raising important questions about the long-held practice of using aspirin for the primary prevention of heart disease and stroke. The research, which analyzed data from three large clinical trials, suggests that stopping aspirin in high-risk individuals could increase their chances of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.
The study looked at a subgroup of 7,222 patients who had already been taking aspirin before participating in the trials. These patients were at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and were using the drug to prevent the first occurrence of heart disease or stroke. The trials, which involved over 47,000 participants across ten countries, focused on this group to understand the effects of continuing or discontinuing aspirin use.
The results were striking. Patients who stopped taking aspirin after starting it prior to the trial faced a higher risk of heart disease and stroke compared to those who continued their aspirin regimen. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in the risk of major bleeding between the two groups, which has often been a concern associated with long-term aspirin use.
Further analysis of observational studies showed a 28% increased risk of heart disease or stroke among adults who had been prescribed aspirin for primary prevention but stopped taking it without consulting their healthcare provider.
While these findings highlight potential risks for those already using aspirin for prevention, they also underscore a larger shift in the medical community. In recent years, international guidelines have moved away from recommending aspirin for primary prevention, especially following studies that questioned its overall benefits. Aspirin, however, remains an essential treatment for individuals who have already experienced a cardiovascular event, helping to reduce the risk of recurrence.
The study’s authors suggest that the decision to start or stop aspirin for primary prevention should be made on a case-by-case basis, with careful consideration of individual risk factors. They also emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare providers before making changes to any medication regimen, particularly for those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
This new research adds to the growing body of evidence that is reshaping how doctors and patients approach heart disease prevention, encouraging a more nuanced view of aspirin’s role in healthcare.
