QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GLOSSARY

Aspirin

The most commonly used (and cheapest) drug to antagonise coronary thrombosis.

Treatment, of an acute event of coronary thrombosis, is usually performed by chewing one adult soluble aspirin (300mg). Chewing 150mg was proved to save some lives in an ISIS trial.

Reduction of the risk of coronary thrombosis is usually achieved with a dose of 75mg daily; this can be swallowed. 75mg and 300mg tablets are available over the counter. However, aspirin for risk reduction should not be taken unless a patient either has coronary disease or a high risk of coronary disease as assessed by a doctor.

Aspirin causes a bleeding tendency, which can be serious in susceptible people. Some people are unable to take the drug because of allergy or irritation of the stomach and/or gullet.

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