Aspirin in coronary heart disease

The Coronary Drug Project Aspirin Study (CDPA), started in late 1972 and terminated in early 1974, involved men selected from three groups originally receiving dextrothyroxine or estrogen therapy in the Coronaries Drug Project, suggesting a beneficial effect for aspirin in the treatment of post-myocardial infarction men.

Abstract

The Coronary Drug Project Aspirin Study (CDPA) was started in late 1972 and terminated in early 1975. The study population was comprised of men selected from three groups originally receiving dextrothyroxine or estrogen therapy in the Coronary Drug Project. All patients had a prior history of myocardial infarction. The length of follow-up ranged from a minimum of 10 months to a maximum of 28 months. A total of 1529 patients were recruited and were randomly assigned on a double-blind basis to aspirin therapy—one 324 mg tablet t.i.d.—or a corresponding placebo treatment.Data indicate a high level of adherence to the study protocol. No major differences were recorded in use of non-study medications in the two treatment groups.Overall mortality was 5.8% in the aspirin group and 8.3% in the placebo group (an observed difference of 30%). This difference is suggestive of a beneficial effect for aspirin in the treatment of post-MI men but not large enough to be conclusive.