AHA25: Aspirin reduces heart disease risk in diabetes
Taking low doses of aspirin helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in adults with type 2 diabetes, according to researchers from the University of Pittsburgh. The findings will be presented at the 2025 American Heart Association conference (AHA25).
Previous large-scale trials showed that aspirin offers no significant benefit for primary prevention in people without cardiovascular disease. In this new study, the researchers examined the potential benefits of aspirin in type 2 diabetes—a condition that itself increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
They analyzed electronic medical records from more than 11,000 adults with type 2 diabetes and moderate or high cardiovascular risk. Factors such as duration of aspirin use, glucose control, and adherence to medical recommendations were considered.
The analysis showed that participants who regularly took low-dose aspirin had significantly lower 10-year risks of heart attack, stroke, or death. Heart attack rates were 42.4% vs 61.2%, stroke 14.5% vs 24.8%, and overall mortality 33% vs 50.7%.
The strongest effect was observed among those who consistently used aspirin throughout the study period. However, people with a high risk of bleeding were excluded, and side effects were not tracked. The researchers emphasize that prescribing aspirin should be based on individual risk assessment.
