Less Than Half of Cardiovascular Disease Patients Worldwide Use Aspirin to Prevent Future Events, Study Finds
A new study published in JAMA has revealed that less than half of adults with a history of cardiovascular disease around the world are using aspirin to prevent a new cardiovascular event. The study analyzed data from 51 countries and found that only about 40% of individuals reported taking aspirin. The use of aspirin varied significantly by country, with rates as low as 16.6% in low-income countries and as high as 65% in high-income countries.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in around 18 million fatalities each year. Heart attacks and strokes account for more than 80% of cardiovascular disease deaths. Aspirin, which helps thin the blood, can reduce the risk of blockages in the arteries that can lead to these events.
Dr. Sang Gune Yoo, an author of the study and a cardiovascular disease fellow at Washington University School of Medicine, expressed disappointment in the low rates of aspirin use for secondary prevention. He emphasized the importance of improving uptake of aspirin and other cardiovascular medications, especially since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target for at least 50% of eligible individuals to receive drug therapy and counseling to prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, the study found that none of the low-income or lower-middle-income countries surveyed achieved this target. In fact, only about half of the upper-middle-income and high-income countries included in the analysis met the WHO goal.
The researchers did not analyze the reasons behind the discrepancies in aspirin use, such as access or healthcare provider recommendations, but they believe further research is needed. They also found that older age, male gender, higher education levels, and urban residence were associated with higher levels of aspirin use among individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease.
Experts emphasize the strong evidence supporting the use of aspirin in secondary prevention and the need for increased awareness and education among both patients and healthcare providers. While the risks of bleeding associated with aspirin use must be considered, the benefits far outweigh these risks for individuals who have already experienced a cardiovascular event.
In the United States, low-dose aspirin is available over-the-counter for as little as $5 to $10, making it a cost-effective tool for preventing future cardiovascular events. However, Dr. Jeffrey Berger from NYU Langone Heart highlighted that both medication adherence and lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet, are often suboptimal among individuals with cardiovascular disease.
Despite the affordable and well-established nature of aspirin as a preventive measure, the study’s findings indicate that it is still underused globally. Strategies to improve uptake of aspirin and other cardiovascular medications are necessary to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide.