Is aspirin helpful in preventing heart attack?

AORN Journal, May, 2004

Although low doses of aspirin have been recommended to reduce the risk of heart attack, its inhibitory effect on blood platelets peaks in months and platelets becomes less sensitive, according to a March 17, 2004, news release from the American College of Cardiology. Aspirin reduces the risk of heart attack by reducing platelets' ability to clump together. This effect is distinct from the action of anticlotting medications.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cordiology examines resistance to the antiptatelet effects of aspirin. Researchers studied 150 patients taking aspirin for primary prevention and a control group of 80 patients taking ticlopidine, an antiplatelet medication. To measure how quickly and strongly platelets respond to chemicals that trigger platelet aggregation, researchers tested participants' blood samples before and during treatment. Aspirin provided the greatest effect two months after initialization of treatment. At 24 months, the effect declined significantly. Platelet responses were examined in vitro, not in actual health outcomes of patients.

Although this study does not provide clinical evidence regarding the use of aspirin therapy, the researchers noted that potential benefits of such therapy must be weighed against the possibility of side effects, such as gastrointestinal or cerebrovascular bleeding. They also stated that the time may have come to analyze recommending aspirin therapy to healthy adults.

Aspirin's Antiplatelet Effect Fades With Long-Term Use (news release, Bethesda, Md: American College of Cordiology, March 17, 2004) http://www.acc.org/media/releases/high lights/2004/mar04/aspifin.htm (accessed 29 March 2004). =