ASPIRIN IN PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN DIABETICS

Abstract

Aspirin universally recommended for secondary prevention of Cardiovascular (CV) events in patients, who havesuffered a myocardial infarction, Ischaemic Stroke or suffers from Peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Aspirin inlow doses has also been recommended for primary prevention in certain population, at high risk of CV events.Cardiovascular events are major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. In patients withDiabetes the risk of fatal coronary artery disease is same as the risk associated with a history of myocardialinfarction in patients without diabetes.In conclusion generalized use of aspirin for primary prevention in diabetics is not warranted. Risk and benefitshould be analyzed and only patients who are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and have other riskfactors like smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, family history of disease or chronic kidney disease should begiven aspirin for primary prevention. Aspirin is not recommended for high risk diabetics who are also at risk ofbleeding. It is also not recommended for patients at low risk of cardiovascular events.