Use of aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular disease--1981-82 to 1985-86: the Minnesota Heart Survey.

The efficacy of aspirin to prevent ischemic cardiovascular disease has received considerable attention recently. To determine the prevalence of aspirin use for cardiovascular disease prevention, the Minnesota Heart Survey examined population-based samples of Twin Cities' adults in 1981 to 82 and 1985 to 86. Over the 4-year period, reported use of aspirin for cardiovascular disease prophylaxis increased from 0.6% to 2.4% in women (p less than 0.05) and from 1.7% to 3.3% in men (p = 0.10). Prophylactic aspirin use was more common in older than in younger adults, in whites than in blacks, in those with a history of cardiovascular disease or hypercholesterolemia, and in health professionals and nonsmokers. Some individuals were apparently taking aspirin for "primary" prevention, although it has not yet been approved for that reason. Use of aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention has been increasing and is likely to increase more rapidly over the next few years. This could favorably impact on mortality rates of cardiovascular disease, but untoward side effects of aspirin may be expected to increase as well.