An Overview of the British and American Aspirin Studies

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Abstract
To the Editor: Two randomized trials, one in the United States1 and one in the United Kingdom,2 have evaluated prophylactic aspirin use among apparently healthy male physicians. We collaborated on these two studies, and it may be appropriate3 to consider their results together despite several substantial differences in design. Taken together (Table 1), these two primary-prevention studies demonstrate a significant (P<0.0001) reduction in nonfatal myocardial infarction of about one third. There is, however, no reduction in the overall risk of stroke; indeed, if attention is restricted to "disabling" strokes, then some increase is indicated. Neither study indicated any reduction in . . .