What does an RR of 1.5 imply regarding ASA intake and heart disease risk?

An RR (relative risk) of 1.5 indicates that individuals who use ASA (acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin) have a 1.5 times higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those who do not use ASA. This suggests that there is a positive association between ASA intake and the risk of heart disease. In epidemiological terms, a relative risk greater than 1 implies an increased risk of the outcome (in this case, heart disease) associated with the exposure (ASA intake).

This interpretation is critical for understanding the potential implications of ASA use in clinical practice. While aspirin is often used for its cardioprotective effects in certain populations, this numerical risk suggests that, in this particular scenario, aspirin users are at an elevated risk for heart disease compared to non-users.

In contrast, other presented options suggest outcomes like no effect or decreased risk, which would not accurately reflect the meaning of an RR of 1.5. Thus, the implication of the RR directly points to increased risk associated with ASA intake.