Interesting Facts About ASA (acetylsalicylic Acid) And The Use Of This Active Ingredient

After a heart attack, the person concerned is usually given ASA to prevent it from happening again. This drug liquefies the blood and prevents the formation of blood clots and thrombosis. 

ASS is the short form for the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid, which is offered on the market in different dosages and by different brands. The best-known brand is the pain reliever and inflammation reliever aspirin, which is available in different formats.

Acetylsalicylic acid was long used as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug in the 20th century. But since  the 1980s, the ability of this active ingredient to prevent the clumping of blood platelets has also been recognized. Since this knowledge, ASA has therefore often been used for this purpose.

Only later could it be shown that chronic treatment (over 10 years) with acetylsalicylic acid also significantly reduced the risk of colon cancer. The antiproliferative properties of this active ingredient are now well known. 

Acetylsalicylic acid is used in a variety of ways and is one of the best-known medicinal substances. Today we take a closer look at the function of this active ingredient as a platelet aggregation inhibitor (TAH). The platelets or platelets play an important role in the formation of blood clots. And as is well known, blood clots are dangerous and can lead to ischemic diseases.

How does a heart attack occur?

An acute heart attack is a very serious situation that results from a blockage of the coronary artery with a blood clot. This means that the blood can no longer circulate freely because the artery is blocked at a certain point.

The blood supply to the heart is reduced, which can be fatal. The blood vessels that supply the brain can also become blocked, causing a stroke. 

It happens suddenly and anyone can be affected at any time. However, certain risk factors play a special role and people who have already suffered from other cardiopathic ischemia are particularly at risk.

The  most common symptoms include:

• Chest pain for over 20 minutes
• Tiredness and exhaustion
• Cold sweat
• dizziness
• Anxiety

Immediate medical care is essential in the event of an acute heart attack. In any case, this must be done in the first hour after the onset of symptoms.

Afterwards, those affected are usually treated with ASA to  avoid repetitions, because this thins the blood and thus prevents blood clots and thrombi, which can trigger a heart attack. 

How does ASA affect the organism?

Acetylsalicylic acid acts on the synthesis of prostaglandin: it irreversibly inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase. This enzyme is available in two different forms: cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). The latter form occurs only in the brain, while COX-1 can be found in almost all body tissues.

ASA exerts its effect on the enzyme COX-1 of the blood platelets, which form the messenger substance thromboxane A2, which can constrict blood vessels and promotes clotting. For these effects, however, significantly smaller doses of ASA are necessary than for the analgesic and anti-inflammatory action. For this reason, the dose is usually 100 or 300 mg instead of 500 mg as with aspirin.

The COXx-1 in the blood platelets is more sensitive than the COX-2 in the endothelium, which is why smaller amounts of acetylsalicylic acid are necessary to achieve an antithrombotic effect. Blocking the enzyme also  reduces platelet aggregation and increases bleeding time. 

Although this drug has no effect on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, it is  recommended for patients who have had heart disease or who have stable angina. 

Final remark

ASA is often used in the prophylaxis of a heart attack or stroke. Usually the acetylsalicylic acid is administered in a dose of 100 mg or 300 mg.

The recommendations of the doctor must always be taken into account! The dose must not be changed independently, because like all drugs, acetylsalicylic acid has undesirable side effects. If doctor’s instructions are not followed, this drug will  lose its effectiveness and the chances of having another heart attack will increase. 

Therefore, always get good advice and regular examinations from a specialist in order to protect your health. If you have any questions or doubts about ASA and the side effects of this active ingredient, you are also best off with your doctor!