Its role before, during and after a heart attack
The main ingredient of aspirin is a modified version of a substance called salicylic acid. This salicylic acid is found naturally in many plants and trees. The fever reducing and pain relieving properties of the bark of the willow tree, which contains salicylic acid, was known to the ancient Greeks and the Chinese. When the substance was synthesised in 1897 by scientists of the Bayer pharmaceutical company of Germany, its release was blocked by the chief scientist, who argued that the medicine might harm the heart. When Germany was defeated in World War-II, America got the aspirin patent transferred, as part of the victory prize in the ‘Treaty of Versailles’. Today, there is no greater friend for a person suffering a heart attack than aspirin and a quick ride to the nearest hospital.
Aspirin is cheap, available everywhere and without need for a prescription. But, this does not mean that everybody gets to take an aspirin without consulting a doctor. Although aspirin has tremendous impact in heart attacks, it can also hurt the stomach lining and cause ulcers and bleeding problems. Hence, one has to discuss with the doctor if taking aspirin is the right step.
Now let us assume that one has discussed the benefit of aspirin with the doctor. What are the favourable points that one is likely to hear?
