The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Editorial

Re-examining the Cardiovascular Therapeutic Benefits of Aspirin

Authors: Shannon W. Finks, PharmD, BCPS (AQ Cardiology)

Abstract

Although originally touted to have no effect on the heart, aspirin indeed exerts cardiovascular therapeutic benefits. Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of a first myocardial infarction (MI) by one-third. Evidence suggests that a more widespread and appropriate use of aspirin in men and women would reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in our country by preventing more than 150,000 premature deaths per year.1 However, despite clinical trial evidence and guideline recommendations, it is estimated that only a portion of patients who would benefit from aspirin actually receive the therapy.

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