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Although newer research has shifted recommendations away from using low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, little information is available to show how patients perceive this evolving harm–benefit balance — especially because aspirin is widely available over the counter. To explore perceptions, investigators surveyed 750 U.S. adults (age range, 50–80) who reported aspirin use in a poll on healthy aging.
Among the 430 respondents who reported aspirin use for primary prevention (85% were taking 81 mg daily), key findings were as follows:
23% said they began taking aspirin without a clinician's recommendation, and 8% had never discussed aspirin use with a clinician.
More than 90% believed that aspirin lowers their risks…