Filenews 27 October 2021
Aspirin may be the oldest drug that cardiologists have in their quiver since the late 19th century, however knowledge about its use is constantly renewed and even in the last year new data have been presented.
What changes in the use of aspirin
According to professor of Cardiology, University of Athens and General Secretary of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology Konstantinos Toutouzas, the use of aspirin in primary prevention (what we should do to avoid suffering something) is changing. Until recently, says Mr. Toutouzas, cardiologists especially for high-risk people (smokers, diabetics, obese, that is, those who have a high chance of having a heart attack, having coronary artery disease, bypass, balloon) thought that they might benefit with one aspirin a day and even at ages 40-50 maybe a little older.
The two new major studies
However, two major studies that have been published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" and were discussed at the 42nd Panhellenic Cardiology Congress, which is in progress since Thursday in Athens, showed, according to the professor, that although there is a benefit, but unfortunately the complications that may occur, which are mainly haemorrhages from the digestive tract, are more than those expected by experts. And greater than the benefit caused. "So what we used to do and we were telling everyone who was at high risk to take one aspirin a day, now has to be done sparingly. When there is a correct indication for the patient to take the aspirin. This is the new element that has passed into the new guidelines, in America and everywhere."
What those who have coronary artery disease and stents should know
Mr. Toutouzas also makes it clear that those who have coronary artery disease (eg those who have narrowing in the arteries, carotid arteries, aorta or peripheral arteries) should take aspirin. As for people who have stents, and until recently were taking one aspirin a day for life, now, according to the professor, they change medicine. "It's going to eliminate aspirin administration for life, as we have two new antiplatelet drugs that probably have a safer profile and perhaps even more efficient."
