In 1988, The ISIS-2 (Second International Study of Infarction Survival) study was published, in which patients were enrolled in randomized trials and given either aspirin, Streptokinase (a "clot busting" drug), both, or placebo when they presented to some emergency departments over a two year period with acute ST elevation chest pain.
The results were shocking. Aspirin alone decreased the incidence of cardiac death in these patients by 21 percent.
Streptokinase decreased the incidence of death by 23 percent.
In other words, aspirin is as effective as a clot buster in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death in patients that present having an acute heart attack.
Hospitals have their own protocol for which patients are administered aspirin upon arrival, but the ONLY absolute contraindication for aspirin therapy is true allergy!
The correct dose is 2-4 baby aspirin (162-324mg) or 1 adult aspirin (325mg), and this drug is now commonly given at the scene by first responders.
The results were shocking. Aspirin alone decreased the incidence of cardiac death in these patients by 21 percent.
Streptokinase decreased the incidence of death by 23 percent.
In other words, aspirin is as effective as a clot buster in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death in patients that present having an acute heart attack.
Hospitals have their own protocol for which patients are administered aspirin upon arrival, but the ONLY absolute contraindication for aspirin therapy is true allergy!
The correct dose is 2-4 baby aspirin (162-324mg) or 1 adult aspirin (325mg), and this drug is now commonly given at the scene by first responders.
