A New Model to Predict Risks for Major Bleeding Events

In a meta-analysis that included the three recently published trials of aspirin for primary cardiovascular (CV) prevention, the number of bleeding episodes associated with aspirin use exceeded the number of adverse CV events prevented (NEJM JW Gen Med Mar 1 2019 and JAMA 2019; 321:277). Now, New Zealand researchers have used a national database to create a model that shows a person's baseline risk for major bleeding and that would be applicable to people “in whom aspirin might be considered” for primary CV prevention. Data from nearly 400,000 patients (age range, 30–79) were included; patients were excluded if they already were taking antithrombotic drugs or had either strong indications or contraindications for aspirin. The model included …