For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 02/01/02

How Much Does the Public Know About the Life-Saving Capabilities of Aspirin?

-- A University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Health Tip --

National Heart Month in February annually aims to educate Americans about the prevention of the number-one killer of people over the age of 45 -- cardiovascular disease.  But how many people across the county know that an inexpensive drug they take when they experience aches and pains also helps to prevent recurrent heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems? Medical research has shown that regular aspirin use helps to reduce the risk of formation of blood clots that can block heart arteries and cause heart attacks.  While this may seem like great news for people who have either suffered from heart attacks or are at high risk for one, many patients who need to take aspirin are not doing so, according to Dr. Cynthia Sanoski, assistant professor of clinical pharmacy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

 "Only approximately one half of Americans who are at high risk for heart attacks take aspirin," says Dr. Sanoski.  "That's a horrible rate.  Aspirin is widely under prescribed.  Aspirin can help to save lives of people who have had heart attacks or people with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other high-risk conditions."

"Approximately one million Americans experience a new heart attack each year," she adds.  "A recent survey estimated that more than 40,000 extra lives could be saved every year if everyone with a high-risk condition for whom aspirin was appropriate, actually received it."

 How much aspirin should individuals take daily?  Dr. Sanoski says there has been some controversy over this question, adding that recent research studies indicate that low dose may be just as beneficial as high dose aspirin. "People with high-risk conditions should take an aspirin once a day, but the dose is just as important," says Dr. Sanoski.  "Some people don't know whether to take a regular strength aspirin (325 mg) or a baby aspirin (81 mg).  The newer trials suggest that the lower dose aspirin may be just as effective as regular strength aspirin."

"Aspirin is not without its problems," she adds.  "If a patient does not have any high-risk conditions, then taking an aspirin once a day may cause problems, such as gastrointestinal bleeding and strokes that result when there is bleeding in the head. These risks must be taken into consideration when making the decision to start aspirin therapy. In fact, recently published guidelines suggest that physicians should discuss the benefits as well as harmful effects of aspirin with their patients who are risk for cardiovascular disease. For those who do need aspirin, it is a life-saving drug that is not expensive.  The number of people who experience heart attacks would dramatically decline if patients knew the benefits of aspirin."

To arrange an interview with Dr. Sanoski, contact John M. Martino at (215) 895-1186 or e-mail: j.martin@usip.edu.

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