Characterization of aspirin allergies in patients with coronary artery disease

Histories of aspirin reactions in patients with CAD are uncommon, occurring in only 1.5% of our study population. The 21% of patients with histories compatible with aspirin hypersensitivities can be challenged and, if the results are positive, successfully desensitized. Moreover, almost all patients with gastric intolerance to aspirin can be treated with aspirin and a proton pump inhibitor. However, both approaches, which result in restoration of cardiovascular prophylaxis, were seriously underused in our study population.