A recent study conducted by researchers in the United States has shed light on the continued use of aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among adults, despite changing guidelines in recent years. The study, which included over 186,000 participants representing 150 million adults in the U.S., utilized data from the National Health Interview Survey Sample Adult component.

The researchers analyzed data from adults aged 40 and older, focusing on their reported history of stroke, heart attack, angina, and coronary artery disease. Additionally, the study examined participants who reported taking low dose aspirin for heart disease prevention either on their own or under medical advice.

The findings of the study revealed that while there was a minimal decline in the use of aspirin for primary prevention from 2012 to 2017, there was a more significant decrease after 2018. By 2021, the use of medically advised aspirin for primary prevention had also decreased. Despite these declines, approximately 18.5% of adults aged 40 and older reported using aspirin for primary prevention in 2021. Among adults aged 60 and older, 29.7% used aspirin for primary prevention, with 5.2% doing so without medical advice.

These results indicate that although more physicians are discouraging the use of aspirin for primary prevention of CVD, there remains a significant number of adults, particularly those over 60, who continue to take aspirin without medical advice. This highlights a communication gap between doctors and patients regarding the individualized approach to aspirin therapy.

"The role of aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease has become much more limited in recent years," explained one of the researchers. "Newer studies have failed to show the cardiovascular benefits of taking aspirin preventively. However, it is important to note that this does not apply to individuals with established disease, such as those with prior heart attacks, stents, or bypass surgery."

The study also pointed out some limitations, including the reliance on self-reporting from participants, which may introduce recall bias. Data on bleeding risk and cardiovascular disease estimates were also lacking. Additionally, the study did not include data from adults under 40 or from the years 2020 and 2022.

The researchers emphasize the importance of communicating with healthcare professionals to determine the appropriateness of aspirin use. While it is still recommended for individuals with a history of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, the decision becomes more nuanced for those without a history. Factors such as the individual's risk of heart disease and bleeding should be taken into account.

In conclusion, the study highlights the persistent use of aspirin for heart disease prevention among certain groups of adults, despite evolving guidelines. It underscores the need for personalized discussions between patients and their doctors to determine whether daily aspirin intake is the right choice based on individual risk factors and medical history.