Recent landmark trials in cardiology.

Oral anticoagulants are a standard of care in patients with thromboembolic events, yet about 20% of patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism have a recurrence of such events within 2 years after the withdrawal of oral anticoagulant therapy. Extending anticoagulation prevents recurrences but is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. The benefit of aspirin beyond the recommended duration of oral anticoagulation for the prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism is unknown. This study was undertaken keeping this rationale in mind.