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Original ArticleOpen Access
Reducing the Risk: Heart Disease, Stroke and Aspirin Peter C
E 
Aspirin used in cardiovascular disease is probably the best evaluated and the most highly
cost effective prophylactic available in clinical practice today. It has been evaluated in over 150
randomised controlled trials and a small daily dose of around I 00 mg has been shown to reduce
the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke by about 30 per cent. The saving of lives and preven-
tion of vascular events in patients judged to be at increased risk of a vascular event for any reason
is large. In healthy subjects, however, the risk of a vascular event is so low that prophylaxis by any
drug is inappropriate.
The earlier aspirin is given in the acute phase of a myocardial infarction the greater the
saving of lives. Patients judged to be at increased risk of a vascular event, for any reason, should
therefore be advised to carry aspirin and to chew and swallow one or two tablets immediately, if
they experience sudden severe chest pain.
Aspirin is derived from a salicylate, and salicylates are widely distributed in nature, with
many functions in plants. Its use in cardiovascular disease derives from an effect on blood platelets,
but other possible effects have led to suggestions that it may be of benefit in conditions other than
heart disease and stroke. Current research is now focussing on the possible reduction by aspirin in
the risk of dementia, certain cancers, retarded foetal growth and cataract.
Key word
: Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, 100 mg Aspirin
cost effective prophylactic available in clinical practice today. It has been evaluated in over 150
randomised controlled trials and a small daily dose of around I 00 mg has been shown to reduce
the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke by about 30 per cent. The saving of lives and preven-
tion of vascular events in patients judged to be at increased risk of a vascular event for any reason
is large. In healthy subjects, however, the risk of a vascular event is so low that prophylaxis by any
drug is inappropriate.
The earlier aspirin is given in the acute phase of a myocardial infarction the greater the
saving of lives. Patients judged to be at increased risk of a vascular event, for any reason, should
therefore be advised to carry aspirin and to chew and swallow one or two tablets immediately, if
they experience sudden severe chest pain.
Aspirin is derived from a salicylate, and salicylates are widely distributed in nature, with
many functions in plants. Its use in cardiovascular disease derives from an effect on blood platelets,
but other possible effects have led to suggestions that it may be of benefit in conditions other than
heart disease and stroke. Current research is now focussing on the possible reduction by aspirin in
the risk of dementia, certain cancers, retarded foetal growth and cataract.
Key word
: Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, 100 mg Aspirin
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