Aspirin for prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke
Article Abstract:
The formation of thrombi, or blood clots, in the blood vessels may result in an insufficient blood supply to the heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin, dipyridamole, sulfinpyrazone and ticlopidine inhibit blood coagulation and have been used to prevent the recurrence of both heart attacks and strokes. Studies have revealed that one aspirin tablet per day was as effective as higher doses of aspirin, and decreased the incidence and death from stroke by seven percent. Additionally, this dose also caused a 50 percent decrease in the incidence of sudden heart attack in patients with angina, or chest pain resulting from myocardial ischemia, an insufficient blood supply to the heart. Aspirin combined with either sulfinpyrazone or dipyridamole decreased the incidence of heart attack, stroke and death in patients who had a recent heart attack. In patients who had surgery to repair the blood vessels of the heart, aspirin alone or in combination with dipyridamole prevented blockage of the blood vessels. A recent study of 22,071 persons indicated that one aspirin tablet per day decreased the incidence of heart attack by 44 percent, but increased the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding in the brain by 22 percent. One daily aspirin may prevent heart attacks and strokes in patients with angina or recent heart attack, and decrease the incidence of heart attacks in healthy males, but may increase the risk of bleeding in the brain. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1989
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Aggrenox: a combination of antiplatelet drugs for stroke prevention
Article Abstract:
Boehringer Ingelheim has developed an oral drug combination for the prevention of stroke. Sold under the trade name Aggrenox, it contains aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole. Aspirin and dipyridamole both inhibit platelet aggregation, which in turn prevents blood clots from forming. However, they inhibit platelets by different mechanisms. Aggregnox should be used in patients who have a very high risk of stroke, including a previous stroke or a transient stroke called a TIA. The drug is much more expensive than aspirin alone and has not been shown to be more effective than aspirin alone.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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Aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Article Abstract:
Data from the Physicians' Health Study show that healthy men more than 50 years old who take one aspirin a day can lower their risk of a heart attack. Aspirin prevents blood from clotting, which is the primary cause of heart attacks. However, this could cause excess bleeding. In the study, 23 men who took aspirin had a hemorrhagic stroke, compared to 12 men who did not take aspirin. The men who took aspirin took an adult dose of 325 milligrams every day. A children's dose of 81 milligrams per day may lower the risk of heart attack without increasing the risk of bleeding.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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