Aspirin and stroke prevention: how much?

Media attention concerning aspirin and the prevention of heart attack has been great, but there has been no similar attention to the subject of aspirin and stroke prevention. Clinical information is available in the literature concerning aspirin dosage and stroke prevention following transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, confusion still exists regarding appropriate dosing as well as the effectiveness of other antiplatelet agents. This review focuses on the mechanism of action of aspirin and cites the rationale provided by clinical trials for a recommendation of 1300 mg of aspirin per day as the sole orally administered antiplatelet agent.