Risky Business: New Survey Suggests Many Americans Live Dangerously, Even When They Say They Aren't 'Ri...(ever on a positive note 76 percent regul...)

Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Awareness of Aspirin Benefits

Americans tend to rate themselves as somewhat or very knowledgeable about the risk factors associated with heart attacks (83 percent) and strokes (74 percent). Survey respondents also were knowledgeable, having heard or read about, the benefits of aspirin for protecting against another heart attack (94 percent) or stroke (75 percent), and helping save your life if taken during a heart attack (82 percent).

Among the group of patients identified as being at elevated CV risk, 50 percent had spoken with their physician or healthcare professional about taking low-dose aspirin for preventing heart attack or stroke, were advised to take it, and to take it regularly. But, surprisingly, 20 percent of those at elevated risk had never discussed the benefits of low-dose aspirin with a healthcare provider.

Furthermore, among all survey respondents who had spoken with their physicians and been advised to take aspirin (36 percent), about one-sixth were not currently taking it. The most common reasons cited for not following their doctor's orders suggested patients were in denial about their need for aspirin, or simply were forgetful. Specifically, 26 percent of these respondents felt they didn't really need it, 37 percent cited forgetfulness, and 37 percent cited no particular reason.

"While this survey indicates broad knowledge about the benefits of taking low-dose aspirin, aspirin continues to be underutilized by doctors and patients. This is an important problem that must be addressed," said Dr. Nieca Goldberg. "Doctors and patients need to work more closely together to ensure they're having a meaningful dialogue about the role of aspirin in preventing cardiovascular events."

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