27 Aug 2023 • This study aimed to assess the use of aspirin for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) across different income countries. Aspirin is a cost-effective option for reducing CVD events and improving survival in individuals with established CVD. The researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from health surveys conducted between 2013 and 2020 in 51 countries of varying income levels. The sample included adults aged 40 to 69 years with self-reported history of CVD. The main outcome measured was self-reported use of aspirin for secondary prevention of CVD. The overall pooled sample included 124,505 individuals. Among those with a history of CVD, the percentage of aspirin use for secondary prevention was 40.3%. However, there were notable differences across income groups: 16.6% in low-income countries, 24.5% in lower-middle-income countries, 51.1% in upper-middle-income countries, and 65.0% in high-income countries. The study concludes that there is underuse of aspirin for secondary prevention of CVD globally, particularly in low-income countries. It emphasizes the need for national health policies and systems to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies that promote the appropriate use of aspirin therapy to address this issue. Source: JAMA | Read full story