Aspirin Reduces Risk of First Heart Attack by 32%

A detailed meta-analysis of five randomized trials has shown that aspirin conclusively reduces the risk of a first heart attack by 32% and reduces the combined risk of heart attack, stroke, and vascular death by 15%. The findings were presented at the 2002 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association (AHA) in Chicago, IL (USA).

"These data, along with the findings that aspirin reduces the risk of death by 23% if given during a heart attack, demonstrate that more widespread and appropriate use of aspirin in secondary and primary prevention would avoid many premature deaths and heart attacks,” said Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., co-director of cardiovascular research at Mount Sinai Medical Center & Miami Heart Institute (Miami, FL, USA), who led the first randomized trial of aspirin in primary prevention. The AHA recommends aspirin for all men and women whose 10-year risk of a first coronary event is 10% or greater.

Another study presented by researchers at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, USA) at the AHA meeting found that continuing aspirin together with an anticlotting drug such as clopidogrel for one year reduced heart attacks, repeated angioplasties, strokes, and heart fatalities by 26.9%, versus taking the anticlotting drug alone for only four weeks.

A study by Argentine researchers presented at the AHA meeting showed that a program of regular follow-up calls by trained nurses to patients with chronic heart failure could reduce hospital admissions for heart failure by 28%.




Related Links:
Miami Heart Institute