The use of low-dose aspirin especially in elderly patients as a primary prevention strategy needs to be balanced with potential risk of adverse events, such as bleeding. In the past, low dose of aspirin was recommended to prevent stroke and myocardial infarction. However, recent evidence indicates that aspirin use in patients with low to moderate risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is not associated with reduction in CVD. Rather, it presents with an increased risk of bleeding. The use of statin in patients at risk of CVD has evolved with recent evidence recommending the use of pooled cohort equation to calculated 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk when determining if a patient can benefit from statin use as primary prevention strategy.

Evidence from latest clinical trials will be presented to assist participating audience in determining when the use of low dose aspirin and statin is recommended. Healthcare professionals will be able to make recommendation to de-prescribe inappropriate use of low-dose aspirin where no added benefit is shown. The use of statin with its correct dosing will be reviewed allowing healthcare professionals to calculate 10-year ASCVD risk to guide decision making.

At the conclusion of this continuing education activity, the participant will be able to:

1. Explain the benefit of early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases
2. Discuss approaches for screening and risk estimation of CVD
3. Examine the current evidence on the use of statin and aspirin for primary prevention of CVD
4. Evaluate patient cases to stratify risk of developing CVD
5. Design evidence-based treatment plans for prevention of CVD

At the conclusion of this continuing education activity, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe the benefit of early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases
2. Familiarize with different approaches to screen and estimate risk for CVD
3. Explain the role of pharmacotherapeutic options for primary prevention of CVD
4. Discuss the current evidence-based recommendations on the use of statin and aspirin for primary prevention of CVD

At the conclusion of this continuing education activity, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe the benefit of early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases
2. Familiarize with different approaches to screen and estimate risk for CVD
3. Explain the role of pharmacotherapeutic options for primary prevention of CVD
4. Discuss the current evidence-based recommendations on the use of statin and aspirin for primary prevention of CVD

AchieveCE is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

AchieveCE is also an accredited provider by the Florida Board of Nursing (Provider #50-20641) and the California Board of Registered Nursing (CEP17265), and is an approved provider through reciprocity for the states of Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Kentucky, New Mexico, South Carolina, and West Virginia. This course is approved by CE Broker, with CE Broker No. 20-868605.

Shreya Patel, PharmD, BCPS is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice of the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She has no actual or potential conflicts of interest to disclose

This activity was developed by AchieveCE free of any commercial support.

  Level 2. Basic Application of Skills and Concepts