An Overview of the British and American Aspirin Studies

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 . . .