International Stroke Trial

Last reviewed 01/2018

The International Stroke Trial (IST) investigated the role of aspirin and/or heparin in the acute treatment of presumed ischemic stroke.

19,435 patients presenting within 48 hours with a diagnosis of ischaemic stroke were randomised to aspirin, heparin, both or neither. The trial was not blind.

The primary outcomes were:

  • death within 14 days
  • death or dependency at 6 months

The aim was to provide reliable evidence on the safety and efficacy of aspirin and of subcutaneous heparin.