Major surgeries not involving the heart are common, and major heart problems during or after
such surgeries represent a large population health problem. Few treatments to prevent heart
problems around the time of surgery have been tested. There is encouraging data suggesting
that small doses of Acetyl-Salicylic Acid (ASA) and Clonidine, which are two medications,
given individually for a short period before and after major surgeries may prevent major
heart problems. The POISE-2 Trial is a large international study to test if ASA and Clonidine
can prevent heart attacks and deaths from heart problems around the time of surgery.