Attack Study

This study is investigating whether low-dose aspirin (75mg) reduces the chance of a first heart attack or stroke in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Until we complete the research, we will not know whether taking aspirin benefits people with CKD, but we believe that the results of this trial will be extremely important for the NHS. If the benefits of aspirin are shown to outweigh the risks, then treatment will be available immediately to about 3 million people with CKD.

Why are we doing this study?

We are doing this research to find out whether people with CKD should take daily low-dose aspirin to reduce the risk of a first heart attack or stroke.

Heart attacks and strokes are usually caused by small blood clots. Aspirin thins the blood so reduces the chance that clots will form but it also increases the chances of bleeding.

Studies in people who have already suffered a heart attack or stroke show that aspirin reduces the risk of further attacks, and that these benefits are much greater than the risks of bleeding.

People with CKD are more at risk of a heart attack or stroke than the general population, and aspirin may therefore by beneficial, but the risks of bleeding may also be higher.

Before we can recommend aspirin treatment to help a first heart attack or stroke in people with CKD, we need to be sure that the benefits of treatment outweigh the possible risks, and that it why we are doing this study.

Currently, around 1 million people in the UK with CKD are already taking aspirin for this reason and around 3 million are not.

The results of this study will tell us whether taking aspirin is better for patients with CKD.