Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) in cardiovascular events prevention (Efficacy)

Aspirin, the ester acetylsalicylic acid, was introduced in the clinic in 1899, being used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and an antithrombotic. Once in the organism, the acetylsalicylic acid is hydrolyzed to salicylate which is also active.

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of acetylsalicylic acid are similar to those of other non-steroid anti-inflammatory. Acetylsalicylic acid is used in the treatment of numerous inflammatory and auto-immune reactions such as juvenile arthritis, rheumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis. Because of its antithrombotic properties, it is used to prevent or reduce the risk of transient ischemic heart disease and strokes. During the greater part of the 20^th century, aspirin was only used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory drug but after 1980, its properties for inhibiting platelet aggregations made it more widely used for this condition.

Coronary heart disease (CHD),a.lso known as coronary artery disease, is a disease in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. CHD can cause breathing difficulties, heart pain (angina) and heart attack. It is the principal cause of death in men and women worldwide. In the United States, around 1.2 million people a year have a heart attack and many of these are fatal. Healthy life styles play an important role in the prevention of heart diseases. In the case of a heart attack, medical attention is vital.

SECONDARY EFFECTS

Aspirin can bring on the following secondary effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Stomach acidity

Some of the secondary effects can be serious. A doctor should be seen immediately if you have:

• Skin rash
• Hives
• Inflammations of the eyes, face, lips, tongue and lips
• Wheezing (breathing with an unusual whistling) or difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Damp, cold skin
• Whistling in the ears
• Loss of hearing
• Vomit with blood or looks like coffee grounds
• Bright red blood in the stools or black/tarry stools

BRAND NAMES

• ASPIRINA®
• TROMALYT®
• DESENFRIOL®
• ADIRO®
• A.A.S.®