Cardiovascular prophylaxis and aspirin "allergy".

Aspirin is an important antiplatelet agent in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Aspirin "allergy" often directs the physician away from this potentially life-saving modality. The majority of patients with a history of "reactions to aspirin" have aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastritis, easy bruisability, or other side effects. The minority of these patients has a "true allergy," referred to as a hypersensitivity reaction. The former group can be started on aspirin without the need for special challenge. Adding a proton-pump inhibitor can often mitigate the gastrointestinal side effects. Patients with aspirin hypersensitivity can be safely challenged with aspirin.