Aspirin reduces cardiovascular events among men and women

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

An analysis of the evidence shows that aspirin reduces stroke among women, heart attacks among men.
We already know that aspirin will prevent heart attack and stroke among those who already have heart problems. What is less clear is whether aspirin has a role in so-called primary prevention - that is, stopping first cardiovascular events among healthy people. A team at Duke University has looked at the evidence and found six trials covering nearly 100,000 people.

Among women, aspirin was linked to a 17 per cent reduction in storke, but there was no significant effect on heart attacks or death from heart disease. For men, there was a 32 per cent reduction in heart attack, but no impact on stroke risk. Aspirin was linked to a 70 per cent increased risk of bleeding events among men and women. The findings suggest that the risk and benefit ratio of starting aspirin therapy should be carefully considered for each individual patient.

Source
Journal of the American Medical Association 18th January 2006 Volume 295 pages 306-313