Low dose aspirin is being recommended for primary prevention in people 50 to 70 years olf due to its benefits in preventing colorectal cancer and cardiovascular diseases. If you have a 10% or greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease over a ten year period then the US Preventative Services Task force recommends low dose aspirin should be initiated for adults between 50 and 59 years. If can also be offered to those aged between 60 – 69 but is slightly less favourable due to the balance of bleeding risks. In Australia the recommendations are under review awaiting the outcomes of a major clinical trial. At this stage the National heart foundation in Australia does not recommend aspirin as primary prevention. Stay tuned!
