Q: What are the benefits and risks of daily low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of CV events? A: One nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) will be avoided for every 126 to 138 adults who take daily aspirin for 10 years (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of multiple randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Taking low-dose aspirin for primary prevention shows no clear mortality benefit. A benefit for primary prevention of stroke is less certain. Although no evidence establishes increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke from daily low-dose aspirin, one gastrointestinal hemorrhage will occur for every 72 to 357 adults who take aspirin for longer than 10 years (SOR: A, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of multiple RCTs and cohort studies).Authors: Justin Mutter, MD, MSc University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville; Rebecca Grandy, PharmD, BCACP, CPP Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, NC, and Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Asheville; Stephen Hulkower, MD Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, NC; Sue Stigleman, MLS Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville
