Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the
United States. Current treatments for COPD focus on inhaler therapies that do not address
manifestations of the disease on other organ systems. Platelets, which are small blood cells
that typically help with clotting, are also involved in generalized inflammation and
dysfunctionality of immune cells when these cells become activated. Activated platelets have
long been known to play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, there
is recent evidence that activated platelets may be involved in worse respiratory symptoms in
COPD independent of cardiovascular disease. Individuals with COPD who are taking aspirin,
which is an antiplatelet agent that blocks activation of platelets, have been shown to have
improved respiratory symptoms, fewer COPD flares, and lower mortality. The investigators'
ultimate goal is to study whether aspirin use improves respiratory symptoms independent of
cardiovascular disease. The investigators are conducting the current pilot trial to determine
the optimal dose of aspirin that blocks platelet activation in this population and
investigate whether there are any blood or urine tests that can help with understanding
response to therapy. The results will inform the design of a larger trial investigating
clinical outcomes. The investigators hypothesize that daily low-dose aspirin will not be
sufficient to adequately suppress platelet activation and that an aspirin dose of at least
162mg daily will be necessary.