Despite evolving evidence questioning its benefit, aspirin use for primary prevention of CVD remains highly prevalent (49%) among the Lebanese population, often without a physician's prescription.
High aspirin use for primary CVD prevention in Lebanon may confer net harm; leaves open need for local guideline alignment and education.
More than 80% of cardiovascular deaths are reported in low-and middle-income countries. Data on aspirin use for primary and secondary prevention of CVD (cardiovascular diseases) in Lebanon are unknown. This study was conducted to understand aspirin use for these indications among Lebanese population and subgroup of diabetic patients. This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted on a random sample of patients presenting to randomized community pharmacies in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Results showed that, overall, 315 patients participated in the study. About 49% of total sample and 40% of diabetic subgroup were taking aspirin for primary compared to secondary prevention of CVD. More patients in the primary prevention group were young (P < 0.001), of female gender (P < 0.001), current active smokers (P = 0.004), and had shorter duration of diabetes (P < 0.021). About 24% of patients were taking non-physician prescribed aspirin. Diabetic patients had higher body mass index (P < 0.001) and longer duration of aspirin use (P = 0.022) compared to non-diabetics. Despite newer evidence showing lack of aspirin benefit in primary prevention of CVD, its use appears to be very common among Lebanese population. While awaiting more evidence, alternatives to aspirin use for primary prevention should be counseled to these patients.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Drouby et al. (2015) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: