Bayer Supports Personalized Cardiovascular Risk Assessment with New Research on Aspirin and Ultrasound Tools

Bayer Supports Personalized Cardiovascular Risk Assessment with New Research on Aspirin and Ultrasound Tools

(IN BRIEF) Recent studies suggest that current cardiovascular risk assessment methods may be inadequate and call for a more personalized approach. Tools like carotid ultrasound offer promising solutions for more precise evaluations, enabling targeted interventions such as aspirin therapy, which can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.

(PRESS RELEASE) BASEL, 18-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Recent advancements in cardiovascular health research are revealing the limitations of traditional risk assessment methods, emphasizing the need for a more personalized approach to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. With the 125th anniversary of aspirin’s discovery, new findings highlight innovative ways to assess and address cardiovascular risk, focusing on more precise, individualized care. A key component of this evolving approach is the use of affordable, accessible tools such as carotid ultrasound to better evaluate risk and determine the most effective interventions, including aspirin.

Dr. Ricardo Salazar, head of medical and evidence generation at Bayer’s Consumer Health division, commented on these advancements: “Aspirin has long been one of the most extensively studied medications in the world, and our ongoing research continues to uncover its potential. Recent findings underscore how modernizing our approach to cardiovascular risk assessment could empower millions of individuals to take proactive steps in reducing their risk of life-threatening events like heart attack or stroke.”

One of the recent studies, “Advanced Subclinical Atherosclerosis: A Novel Category Within the Cardiovascular Risk Continuum,” introduces a new category of cardiovascular risk: advanced subclinical atherosclerosis. This condition, characterized by the early build-up of plaque in the arteries, has distinct treatment implications but does not fit neatly into the traditional binary framework of primary or secondary prevention. The study reveals that more than half of patients with significant plaque but no stenosis will eventually suffer ischemic events. Yet, these individuals often do not receive appropriate interventions based on their elevated risk.

Dr. Michael Blaha, Director of Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center, emphasized the importance of this research: “The recent shift in guidelines away from routine aspirin use for primary prevention does not account for a subset of high-risk, asymptomatic patients. For those with advanced subclinical atherosclerosis, the benefits of aspirin therapy in reducing cardiovascular events should still be considered.”

The study calls for a more nuanced, individualized approach to cardiovascular health, especially for patients with advanced subclinical atherosclerosis who are not yet classified as secondary risk patients. It advocates for using precise diagnostic tools to weigh the benefits and risks of early intervention, including aspirin therapy.

A separate study, “Carotid Ultrasound-Based Plaque Score for Aspirin Allocation,” underscores the potential of carotid ultrasound, a widely accessible and affordable diagnostic tool. The research, which examined data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, found that the Carotid Plaque Score (CPS), derived from ultrasound, could be a reliable method for identifying individuals at high cardiovascular risk. The study suggests that individuals with a CPS of 2 or more may derive significant benefit from aspirin therapy, particularly in preventing cardiovascular events.

Ultrasound-based plaque scoring provides a valuable alternative to coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring, which requires CT scans that are often costly and not widely available. Carotid ultrasound, with no radiation and easier accessibility, offers a low-cost option that can be used in diverse healthcare settings, including those with limited resources.

Aspirin, celebrated for its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent clot formation, remains a cornerstone in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Despite the development of other medications, aspirin continues to be the only antiplatelet agent recommended across the entire cardiovascular risk continuum. New research suggests that aspirin remains a vital tool, especially when personalized assessment tools like carotid ultrasound and CAC scoring are used to identify those most likely to benefit.

Looking ahead, future clinical trials should aim to better integrate these new diagnostic methods and include patients based on their individual cardiovascular risk profiles, as opposed to relying solely on the traditional primary and secondary prevention categories.

As always, individuals should consult their healthcare provider before beginning any aspirin regimen, as the drug may not be suitable for everyone, and its use varies by country and medical history.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2023, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 47.6 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

References:

1)    Blaha, M., Abdelhamid, M., Santilli, F., Shi, Z., Sibbing, D. Advanced Subclinical Atherosclerosis: A Novel Category Within the Cardiovascular Risk Continuum with Distinct Treatment Implications. Am J Preventive Cardiology 13 (2023) 100456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpc.2022.100456

2)    Santilli, F., Albrecht, G., Blaha, M., Lanas, A., Li, L., Sibbing, D.: Needs-based considerations for the role of low-dose aspirin along the CV risk continuum. Am J Preventive Cardiology 18 (2024) 100675 available online April 15, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100675

3)    Dzaye, O., Razavi, A., Dardari, Z., Nasir, K., Natsushita, K., Mok, Y., Santilli, F. Cobo, A., Johri, A., Albrecht, G., Blaha, M. Carotid ultrasound-based plaque score for the allocation of aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease events: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Journal of the American Heart Association. Vol. 13, Nr. 12, 11 June 2024. http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.123.034718

This research was supported by a grant from Bayer. Drs Blaha, Abdelhamid, Sibbing, and Lana are members of the Bayer AG Global Advisory Board. Drs Abrecht and Li are employees of Bayer.

Media Contact:

Jeffrey Donald
Comms Lead – R&D / Regulatory Medical Safety & Compliance
Tel: +41 79 907 7111
jeffrey.donald@bayer.com

SOURCE: Bayer AG