Aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in older persons: where is the evidence?

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in older persons. The demographics among older persons are changing, with a dramatic increase in patients over the age of 80 years. Older persons are a unique socio–economic group, under-represented in primary prevention trials, with a higher risk of complications with aspirin prophylaxis. Given the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and its complications in older persons, well-selected patients from this group may benefit from aspirin prophylaxis. However, there is a paucity of data regarding cardiovascular disease and its prevention in this population. We look at how to approach the complexities regarding the use of prophylactic aspirin in older persons.