WASHINGTON, DC, January 25, 2005 Preliminary survey results released today by the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) found that 43% of U.S. adults aged 40 and older who are at increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and therefore potential candidates for doctor-recommended aspirin therapy based on current American Heart Association guidelines are not utilizing aspirin therapy to reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke. Increased risk can be defined as 10% risk or greater of heart attack or stroke over 10 years. The survey, which was conducted by Harris Interactive for the ACPM, was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Bayer Aspirin.

When using the American Heart Association guidelines as a reference1, the survey found that aspirin is underutilized by both men and women aged 40 and over who are at increased risk for heart disease, and that this underutilization may be due to their tendency to underestimate their risk for a heart attack. The results were drawn from a nationally representative survey of 1,299 U.S. adult consumers (647 men, 652 women) age 40 and over and 533 healthcare professionals. The on-line survey was designed to assess barriers, beliefs and behaviors related to adoption of cardiovascular event prevention strategies, with a particular focus on aspirin use and adherence2.

"The survey findings have profound implications for all Americans aged 40 and over who are at risk for heart disease," commented George K. Anderson, MD, MPH, past president of the ACPM. "Despite significant educational efforts in recent years to elevate awareness among professionals and consumers about the proven benefits of aspirin therapy in reducing the risk of heart attack and recurrent stroke in individuals at increased risk, there is still less than adequate utilization. While health professionals report that they are discussing aspirin's benefits with appropriate patients, not nearly enough moderate-to-high risk peo
'"/>

Contact: Jennifer Bretsch
jkb@acpm.org
202-466-2044
American College of Preventive Medicine
25-Jan-2005

Page: 1 2 3 4 5
Related medicine news :

1. Study of energy and health in Africa focuses spotlight on charcoal and forest management
2. Study shows promise in identifying kidney failure
3. Study shows patch therapy may be as effective as oral medications
4. Study shows soy is well accepted in school lunches
5. Study finds that coordinating care of chronically ill patients does not increase liability
6. Study provides new estimates of the causes of child mortality worldwide
7. Study finds factors linked to substance use disorder relapse among health care professionals
8. Study finds majority of women willing to accept cervical cancer vaccine for self and children
9. Study shows use of budesonide reduced the risk of asthma related events by 40% in children
10. Study shows risk of cardiac death after radiation for breast cancer has dramatically decreased
11. Study shows acrylamide in baked and fried food does not increase risk of breast cancer in women