USPSTF issues update to aspirin use and CVD

The US Preventive Task Force (USPSTF) has updated its 2016 recommendation on the use of aspirin to protect against cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).

The new recommendation advises against starting low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of CVD in anyone aged 60 years and older, which USPSTF said will garner no net benefit from the therapy.

Based on the evidence, USPSTF identified a small net benefit from aspirin therapy in adults aged 40 to 59 years who have a 10% or higher risk of CVD over 10 years.

Patients with no elevated risk for bleeding and the ability to follow a daily regimen are most likely to benefit, according to the revised guideline, which previously recommended low-dose aspirin for Americans aged 60 to 69 years with a 10-year CVD risk of at least 10%.

The suggestions are made with moderate certainty in the evidence. New trial findings and other data, however, were insufficient to demonstrate a favorable effect on CRC incidence or mortality associated with aspirin therapy.