The Role of Aspirin in Prophylaxis Management of Venous Thromboembolism

Abstract Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or aspirin is a well-known anticoagulant that provides relatively inexpensive primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The known standard of care involves preventing cardiovascular disease in the arterial vasculature. More recent studies suggest aspirin also prevents venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence, such as pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thromboembolism (DVT). This review considers aspirin as an antiplatelet therapy in cardiovascular disease, mechanism of action, and summarizes the best available evidence-based medicine which investigates aspirin’s role as an anticoagulation therapy in VTE. Important Points The new mechanism of action of aspirin suggests benefits for VTE prevention. Aspirin is a well-studied anti-platelet in cardiovascular disease. VTE recurrence rates do not change if previous anticoagulation was given. Limited and small studies suggest rivaroxaban as an effective extended anticoagulation therapy in VTE. Current research is limited