Aspirin in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Aspirin in a daily dose of 160 to 300 mg initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset results in a net decrease in morbidity and mortality caused by acute ischemic stroke (Strength of Recommendation [SOR]: A, based on a systematic review), regardless of the availability of computed tomography (CT). (SOR: A, based on a meta-analysis). Aspirin is as effective as anticoagulants in this regard and causes less harm (SOR: A, based on a systematic review), but it should not be used in patients receiving thrombolytic therapy. (SOR: B, based on one randomized controlled trial [RCT]).