Citizen jury should consider aspirin prophylaxis

doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7509.160-a

BMJ 2005;331:160 (16 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7509.160-a

Letter

Citizen jury should consider aspirin prophylaxis

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR—I smiled to read that the jury was still out onaspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease in elderly peoplein This week in the BMJ because, of course, there has neverbeen any sort of jury on this topic.^1-2 This debate about aspirinhas consumed the medical profession for over 30 years, yet almostno public participation or consultation has occurred.

Although aspirin has benefits, it is considered inappropriatefor people with known contraindications. Its effects in symptomfree subjects cannot be predicted. Standard advice is that subjectsshould consult a doctor before starting aspirin prophylaxis.However, perhaps patients, not doctors, should evaluate forthemselves the possible outcomes and make decisions on the basisof their own evaluation of the risks and benefits.

Aspirin is not an alternative to health promotion or behaviouralchange in relation to exercise and diet. Nor is it a substitutefor the appropriate . . . [Full text of this article]

Rachel T Iredale, senior lecturer

University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd CF37 1DL riredale@glam.ac.uk

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