In suspected heart attack, aspirin is beneficial because it does what?

In suspected heart attack, aspirin is beneficial because it does what?

• A. Dilates coronary vessels
• B. Dissolves clots
• C. Increases heart rate
• D. Prevents the aggregation of platelets

Answer: (D)

Aspirin helps during a suspected heart attack by acting as an antiplatelet agent, preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots. It works by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme COX-1 in platelets, which lowers production of thromboxane A2 and reduces platelet aggregation. This slows clot growth and can improve blood flow to the heart muscle. It does not dilate coronary vessels, it does not dissolve an existing clot, and it does not increase heart rate. Because platelets can’t make new COX once inhibited, the effect lasts for the life of the platelet, contributing to its protective role when given early in suspected MI.

Aspirin helps during a suspected heart attack by acting as an antiplatelet agent, preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots. It works by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme COX-1 in platelets, which lowers production of thromboxane A2 and reduces platelet aggregation. This slows clot growth and can improve blood flow to the heart muscle. It does not dilate coronary vessels, it does not dissolve an existing clot, and it does not increase heart rate. Because platelets can’t make new COX once inhibited, the effect lasts for the life of the platelet, contributing to its protective role when given early in suspected MI.