Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid to give it its scientific name, has been available for over 100 years, and is widely used to treat pain, inflammation and fever. However, new research indicates that this drug may have many other valuable properties.

It’s believed that aspirin reduces the body’s production of prostaglandins. Too many prostaglandins can cause platelets in the blood to stick together. This can result in the formation of blood clots that block blood vessels, which may then trigger heart attacks or strokes. Blood clots can also cause Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), commonly known as Economy-class Syndrome.

However, aspirin is not for everyone, and you should always consult your doctor before taking it as a prophylactic. If you are using the medication regularly, remember to advise your dentist or doctor of this, before surgery or a dental procedure. They can then be prepared for any potential complications.

Taking a daily dose of aspirin is highly recommended by the American Heart Association and other leading authorities, for anyone who has had a heart attack or stroke, or who suffers from unstable angina or transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes).

If you’re going on a long flight in economy class and you believe that you may be immobile for most of the trip, some experts recommend taking a low dose of aspirin (approximately 100 milligrams) for two or three days before flying. This is provided that you don’t have any stomach problems or other conditions that would contra-indicate its use. Researchers claim that that this can reduce your chance of developing DVT, by one third.

The research also supports taking an aspirin as soon as possible after experiencing chest pain, which may be an indication of an acute heart attack. Of course, this shouldn’t be a reason to delay calling an ambulance, or otherwise getting to hospital as soon as possible. Paramedics and ambulance staff will now routinely give patients an aspirin if they believe a heart attack has occurred. Many attacks are caused by a blood clot in the arteries that supply oxygen to the heart muscle, so taking an aspirin can thin the blood and assist in dissolving the clot thereby reducing the damage that would otherwise result. The earlier this is done the better, and indeed it may mean the difference between life and death.

Taking aspirin isn't advised during or after an acute or sudden stroke prior to diagnosis, because not all strokes are caused by blood clots.  Whilst this is generally the case, some attacks may result from ruptured blood vessels.  Taking aspirin could potentially make this type of stroke more severe. If you have had a stroke which your doctor confirms was caused by a blood clot, he will almost certainly recommend that you take a daily dose of aspirin to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence.

For some people, the medication may have unwanted side-affects. The potential beneficial effects of reducing clots by thinning the blood may cause excessive bleeding, as it reduces the blood’s natural ability to coagulate. Aspirin may also irritate the stomach and cause stomach bleeding. Some may suffer from heartburn, nausea and vomiting, and even stomach and intestinal ulcers. Chronic alcohol abusers who take the drug may be at increased risk of developing stomach bleeding, and suffering liver damage. Some complain that aspirin causes a ringing in the ears, whilst others have experienced allergic reactions or developed asthma.

To reduce the likelihood of stomach complaints and bleeding, a special enteric-coated aspirin is available which reduces stomach inflammation. If you’re taking an aspirin regularly, then you should use this type.

In summary, aspirin can be a lifesaver. If you’re in a risk group, or you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke, I’d recommend consulting with your doctor about taking one enteric-coated aspirin a day.

Peter Davison is the Manager International Services
at Phuket International Hospital.
Tel: +66 (0)76 249400. Email: info@phuketinternationalhospital.com.