In which population is the use of aspirin for primary prevention particularly considered?

Using aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is particularly considered in individuals aged 50-69 years with a 10-year cardiovascular risk of 10% or greater. This population is at a moderate risk for heart disease, and the benefits of aspirin in preventing first heart attacks or strokes can outweigh the risks of potential adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding.

Clinical guidelines generally recommend initiating low-dose aspirin therapy in this age group, as studies have shown that it can significantly reduce the incidence of major cardiovascular events in those with established risk factors. The recommended cardiovascular risk thresholds help target individuals who are most likely to benefit from aspirin therapy while minimizing unnecessary treatment in those at lower risk, where the potential harms may outweigh the benefits.

In contrast, options that involve younger individuals or those without significant risk factors may not have the same level of evidence supporting aspirin use for primary prevention, thus showing less benefit and possibly more risks. For instance, individuals aged 30-39 years or aged 40-49 years without clear cardiovascular risk do not generally meet the criteria for aspirin use, while individuals aged 70 and above may have different considerations based on their overall health status and risk profile at that age.