Aspirin for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Release Date: March 2009

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This topic page summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Summary of Recommendations / Supporting Documents / Published Comments and Response

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Summary of Recommendations

• The USPSTF recommends the use of aspirin for men age 45 to 79 years when the potential benefit due to a reduction in myocardial infarctions outweighs the potential harm due to an increase in gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
  Grade: A recommendation.
• The USPSTF recommends the use of aspirin for women age 55 to 79 years when the potential benefit of a reduction in ischemic strokes outweighs the potential harm of an increase in gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
  Grade: A recommendation.
• The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention in men and women 80 years or older.
  Grade: I statement.
• The USPSTF recommends against the use of aspirin for stroke prevention in women younger than 55 years and for myocardial infarction prevention in men younger than 45 years.
  Grade: D recommendation.

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Supporting Documents

Aspirin for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, March 2009
Recommendation Statement (PDF File, 335 KB; PDF Help)
Supporting Article (PDF File, 160 KB; PDF Help)
Evidence Synthesis (PDF File, 145 KB; PDF Help)
Clinical Summary (PDF File, 114 KB; PDF Help)
Patient Brochures and Clinician Fact Sheets

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Published Comments and Response

Published Comment 1
Published Comment 2
Response of the USPSTF
USPSTF Response to the ATT Collaboration Meta-Analysis

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Current as of December 2009

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Internet Citation:

Aspirin for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Topic Page. December 2009. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsasmi.htm

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