Aspirin Shows No Benefit for Kidney Disease Patients
The ATTACK trial finds daily aspirin does not significantly reduce major cardiovascular events for those with kidney disease.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Should patients with chronic kidney disease take daily aspirin to prevent cardiovascular events?
The randomized ATTACK trial involving 4,633 participants with chronic kidney disease found that daily aspirin use did not lead to a statistically significant reduction in major cardiovascular events. Researchers observed 56 primary outcomes in the aspirin arm compared to 76 in the control group over a mean follow-up of 3.1 years.
Why it matters
The study was designed to investigate whether patients with chronic kidney disease might experience a net benefit from daily aspirin, given the balance of cardiovascular risks against potential bleeding side effects. The results provide critical evidence that necessitates re-evaluating prophylactic aspirin use in this population.
The ATTACK trial evaluated 4,633 participants, with 2,317 randomized to 75 mg of daily aspirin and 2,316 to a control group. The study reported a subdistribution hazard ratio of 0.73 for primary outcomes and 1.54 for major bleeding events.
The players
ASN Kidney Week 2026
This is an annual scientific meeting organized by the American Society of Nephrology that gathers researchers and clinicians to share advancements in kidney health.
The details
Participants were identified through automated searches of coded primary care records in the United Kingdom. Researchers plan to combine these findings with previous trial data to establish a clearer picture of the risks and benefits for kidney disease patients.
Timeline
Trial enrollment began in March 2019.
The study was paused in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remote procedures allowed the trial to restart in March 2021.
The follow-up period concluded in December 2023.
Results were presented in October 2026 at ASN Kidney Week 2026.
Health Landscape
The ATTACK trial follows a pattern set by previous clinical investigations into the primary prevention capabilities of low-dose aspirin. These findings mark a departure from earlier assumptions about the universal benefits of aspirin for patients with chronic medical conditions.
Patients with chronic kidney disease should consult their healthcare providers to discuss the findings of this study before making changes to their medication regimen. Clinicians are expected to use these results to refine their approach to cardiovascular risk management in patients with compromised kidney function.
The takeaway
These findings underscore the importance of precision medicine in determining which patient populations derive actual benefit from daily aspirin regimens. Patients should avoid self-prescribing daily aspirin for cardiovascular health without first verifying their risk profile with a medical professional.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and guidelines at the Heart Disease section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hcplive.
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Should patients with chronic kidney disease take daily aspirin to prevent cardiovascular events?
