A study explored how elderly Americans over the age of 74 often take aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease but lack the use of statins.
In the new research, released in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, researchers analyzed the data of 11,392 adults who were surveyed from 2011 to 2018 in the United States.
Among the participants, over half of them had taken aspirin or a statin on a frequent basis to prevent cardiovascular disease.
The findings suggest that healthcare providers should convey the necessary information to avoid misuse of aspirin in the older age group of Americans.
“Healthcare providers should inform their older patients about appropriate aspirin use so that they can avoid misuse of aspirin, which can be easily purchased over the counter,” said Greg Rhee, the study’s lead author, in a news release.
“Ultimately, safer prescribing practice, patient education, and patient-oriented effectiveness research should be continually encouraged to reduce potential harms and improve cardiovascular health in older adults.”
