title: Aspirin and prevention of myocardial infarction.
abstract: Determining the cardioprotective effects of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) remains a focus for both basic science and clinical investigation. Although other contributors are probably present, the favorable prostacyclin-to-thromboxane ratio induced by low-dose aspirin appears beneficial for reducing cardiovascular mortality associated with unstable angina and myocardial infarction. The precise dosage, frequency and timing of aspirin's administration to reduce the incidence of vaso-occlusive events remains to be determined. This article reviews aspirin's mechanism of action and use for the prevention of myocardial infarction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-3104.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Hartney
mesh_terms: D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D001241:Aspirin