|
Abstract Aspirin Use for Prevention of Myocardial Infarction In Rural-Dwelling Elderly Cheryl Barglof 1998 The purpose of this study was to describe the patterns of aspirin (ASA) use for primary and secondary prevention of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Cardiac risk factors, perception of risk, discussion of ASA use and recommendations from health care providers (HCPs) are also described. The sample of 93 rural-dwelling elderly who attended Midwestern Senior Citizen Centers were queried about cardiac risks, risk perception, and ASA use. Results suggest underuse of ASA for both primary and secondary prevention of AMI. Predictors of ASA use were a history of coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension. A significant difference in perceived cardiac risk existed between those who discussed ASA with a HCP and those who did not, and between those who had a HCP recommendation for ASA and those who did not. HCPs must actively assess cardiac risk and recommend ASA for patients at high risk.
|
