Aspirin use for the prevention of cardiovascular disease: the British Women's Heart and Health Study.

Low dose aspirin is effective, safe, and economical in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. We have found that only one-third of post-menopausal women with cardiovascular disease are using aspirin and that the majority of women who are using aspirin are doing so for primary prevention. Improvements in this area of medical practice are both necessary and feasible.