Aspirin prophylaxis in patients at low risk for cardiovascular disease: a systematic review of all-cause mortality - Original Research

Journal of Family Practice, August, 2002 by John M. Boltri, Mark R. Akerson, Robert L. Vogel

Many studies have shown significant side effects of aspirin, including epistaxis, peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeds, and hemorrhagic stroke. (15, 20-22, 27-32) In the BDS, 17% more subjects in the aspirin group developed peptic ulcer disease, and 19% stopped treatment during the first year secondary to gastrointestinal complaints. (21)

In conclusion, there is currently no evidence to recommend for or against the use of aspirin in low-risk individuals to decrease mortality. There may be other reasons to take aspirin prophylactically such as to reduce myocardial infarction or colon cancer. However, these benefits have not been established in a low-risk population. Health care providers should ask all patients whether they are taking aspirin and evaluate the risk-benefit ratio before recommending it.