Sex-related differences in response to aspirin in cardiovascular disease: an untested hypothesis

In summary, the hypothesis formulated in the editorial accompanying the aspirin component of the WHS warrants further investigation; however, it is not supported by evidence from randomized trials in secondary prevention, nor is it plausibly explained by differences in the sex-specific pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic profile of aspirin. To paraphrase TH Huxley, the idea might yet prove to be another beautiful hypothesis slain by ugly facts, but this will not emerge until we have the results of large-scale, randomized trials of aspirin versus placebo in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in elderly people. © 2006 Nature Publishing Group.