Atherothrombosis is the main reason for prescribing Aspirin
Atherothrombosis is a pathology in which the patient develops an atheromatous plaque covered by a thrombus. It is this formation that is diagnosed in most patients with vascular pathologies.
The process of thrombus formation on the surface of atheroma is the result of activation of platelets and a series of coagulation reactions. At the initial stage, platelet adhesion begins in the damaged area of the vessel, that is, the process of their gluing occurs in the place where the vessel is damaged and lacks epithelium. In the next phase of aggregation, platelets stick together and a primary plug is formed. Such blood clots are not yet tightly attached and with the blood flow they usually spread throughout the body, clogging small vessels. Larger blood clots can cause severe cardiac pathologies, including death.
Mechanism of action of Aspirin
Aspirin is the first antiplatelet drug to be successfully used in medical practice. Thanks to its capabilities, it has become the basis for the prevention and treatment of atherothrombosis and actively prevents the development of complications associated with vascular pathology.
The active ingredient in Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. The antiaggregation effect of the drug is dose-dependent, i.e. The expected effect does not occur at any concentration of the substance. In the course of research, it was found that small concentrations of the substance are enough to achieve an antiplatelet result.
In addition to blocking blood clots, acid has the following effects:
- affects lysine in the fibrinogen molecule;
- loosens fibrin threads;
- suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines;
- normalizes the level of C-reactive protein.
For whom Aspirin is contraindicated?
Aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular pathologies is recommended to patients in order to eliminate the risk of vascular thrombosis, ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. In most cases of cardiac pathologies, risks to the patient's life are caused by blockage of blood vessels with a blood clot. For the purpose of prevention, it is necessary to take a small dose of the drug daily. It is not recommended to take aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in any dosage:
- people without prerequisites for the occurrence of cardiovascular pathology;
- men up to forty-five years old and women up to fifty-five years old;
- for hypertensive patients or diabetics, if the patients’ vessels do not show signs of atherosclerosis.
Aspirin is prescribed for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases with extreme caution to patients with the following diseases:
- with hypersensitivity to the main component – acetylsalicylic acid;
- if the patient is diagnosed with hemophilia, since the drug can thin the blood;
- when diagnosing hemorrhagic diathesis in a sick person;
- during an exacerbation of a stomach ulcer or gastritis;
- it is contraindicated for patients with urolithiasis or acute renal failure;
- during pregnancy or lactation.
However, Aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases is recommended to patients in all clinical cases if the benefits of its action far outweigh the risks from the gastrointestinal tract. Acetylsalicylic acid can cause adverse reactions:
- risk of stomach bleeding;
- heartburn;
- epigastric pain;
- allergic reactions.
Recently, doctors have developed cardioaspirin - a special drug that is broken down not in the stomach, but in the duodenum. Its absorption occurs much more slowly - the drug reaches its highest concentration in the blood after three to four hours. Thus, enteric forms cause less harm to the susceptible gastric mucosa, which means they can be used with little or no concern. Another advantageous difference between the new product and other drugs is that it contains the optimal dosage of aspirin for the prevention of heart disease.
What is better Cardiomagnyl or Aspirin Cardio?
Based on the above, we can conclude that Aspirin has a worse effect on the gastric mucosa. It has a special shell, it is assumed that it slowly dissolves in the stomach, and the process is completed in the intestines. But this is still insufficient protection.
At the same time, Cardiomagnyl contains magnesium hydroxide. The substance is an antacid, that is, a compound that neutralizes the effect of acid. In gastroenterology, antacids are used to treat ulcers and gastritis. Therefore, if the patient has a corresponding stomach disease, then Cardiomagnyl is considered the best choice.
Magnesium hydroxide adsorbs hydrochloric acid, reduces the activity of gastric juice, and coats the mucous membrane. It is characterized by the speed of onset of the effect, as well as safety during long-term use. This compares favorably with aluminum-containing antacids.
Cardiomagnyl cannot be replaced with a combination of Aspirin Cardio and antacids, since they still give a less pronounced effect. All this makes Cardiomagnyl one of the most effective drugs for the treatment of blood vessels.
But sometimes doctors are forced to cancel Aspirin due to the fact that patients do not tolerate it well during long-term use, as side effects such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, pain or discomfort in the epigastrium appear. And according to statistics, such effects occur in 40% of cases.
The fast-acting antacid contained in Cardiomagnyl allows you to reduce the likelihood of developing such dyspeptic phenomena to a minimum - up to 5% and even lower. Patients tolerate this drug better and are less likely to refuse treatment.
Cardiomagnyl is increasingly prescribed for the treatment of venous thrombosis, unstable angina and ischemic cerebral circulatory disorders. After all, it is both more effective and safer.
Who should take Aspirin?
Taking acetylsalicylic acid is advisable for the following categories of patients:
- for those who have previously been diagnosed with myocardial infarction;
- in patients with ischemic stroke;
- if patients have ischemic transient attacks (mini-strokes);
- if a person is diagnosed with coronary heart disease, angina pectoris;
- if the patient is suspected of developing a myocardial infarction;
- for the prevention of thromboembolism when a person is undergoing surgery;
- patients after coronary artery bypass surgery.
If a person meets at least one point, the doctor prescribes acetylsalicylic acid, including it in the drug therapy regimen to support the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
Indications for use
The use of the medicine must be carried out in strict accordance with the indications, which will eliminate the possibility of developing undesirable effects.
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Cardiac aspirin is recommended for people who are at risk of developing heart attacks. In most cases, taking pills is prescribed to patients who experience frequent increases in blood pressure.
Aspirin for the heart is recommended to be taken for atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels. If the patient has angina pectoris, he is prescribed the drug. It is highly effective in providing maintenance therapy after myocardial infarction.
Taking the medication is recommended after strokes or ischemic attacks. Aspirin cardio, the side effects of which occur only if used incorrectly, is used to prevent thromboembolism after surgery. If the patient takes oral contraceptives for a long time, then to eliminate the possibility of developing thrombosis it is necessary to take the drug
Advice! Only a doctor can prescribe a drug after a preliminary examination of the patient.
How to take Aspirin as a preventative measure
Doctors recommend how to take cardiac aspirin for prevention:
- The dose should not exceed 160 mg per day . This is the limit even with the most complex pathologies.
- The recommended dosage is from 75 to 120 mg per day .
Aspirin Cardio is available in dosages of 100 or 300 mg, i.e. one tablet is enough to provide the required daily dose. The drug Trombo ACC contains 75 mg of acetylsalicylic acid, which is the lowest limit to meet the patient's acid needs. At the initial stage, on the recommendation of a doctor, patients start with these dosages, increasing it if necessary.
Analogs of Aspirin Cardio are:
- Acekor Cardio (100 mg of active ingredient in one tablet);
- Godasal (100 mg);
- Thrombolec Cardio (100 mg);
- Akard (75 or 150 mg);
- Cardiomagnyl (75 mg);
- Cardiomagnyl Forte (150 mg);
- Cardisave (75 or 150 mg);
- Lospirin (75 mg);
- Magnicor (75 mg).
Patients usually take Aspirin Cardio or Thrombo ACC. It is worth noting that such drugs are effective and fully fulfill their intended purpose. There is no point in purchasing an expensive analogue that will have the same effect.
Note! Do not take the drug at the same time as alcoholic beverages. To avoid adverse reactions, do not take the tablets on an empty stomach - take the drug either during meals or immediately after. Do not split or chew the tablets; swallow them whole. Take the medicine with plenty of water. Can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly to avoid the passage of the drug through the gastrointestinal tract.
In rare cases, patients experience an overdose of Aspirin:
- temperature rises;
- breathing problems occur;
- cough appears;
- the skin turns pale;
- urination decreases;
- a state of stupor or overexcitation occurs;
- there are pains in the heart;
- pulse quickens.
The most dangerous stage of poisoning is the appearance of swelling of the lungs, which quickly worsens. When foaming at the mouth appears, such patients can rarely be saved. Death occurs from kidney and liver failure, pulmonary edema, and paralysis of vital centers of the brain. If signs of Aspirin poisoning appear, induce vomiting or give the patient activated charcoal.
If a patient stops taking aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the dose is not abruptly stopped - this provokes a “rebound effect”, i.e. causes the same effects for which the drug was originally taken. Therefore, the end of therapy is a separate scheme, which is signed by the doctor, and it must be followed strictly.
Aspirin is available from pharmacies without a prescription. Cardiac Aspirin is not prescribed for children. Certain drugs can be used in adolescents from the age of 15, for example, Cardiomagnyl, Aspirin Cardio is allowed from the age of 16, and Thrombo ACC is allowed from the age of 18
Is it possible to replace Aspirin Cardio with Cardiomagnyl?
Theoretically, replacing drugs is possible. But only if the patient requires a higher dosage of acid. The decision on such a replacement should be made by the doctor, taking into account all possible consequences, including the risk of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastric mucosa.
Analogues of the described drugs in terms of scope and purpose of action are Tiklid, Trental and Clopidogrel. However, they do not contain acid, but other active ingredients and are more expensive.
Cardiomagnyl cannot be replaced with a combination of Aspirin Cardio and antacids, since they still give a less pronounced effect.
Interaction of Aspirin with other drugs
When taking Aspirin simultaneously with other medications, it affects their effect. The following reactions have been established:
- if you take Aspirin together with anticoagulants, the drug enhances their effect and provokes increased bleeding;
- Aspirin can both enhance the therapeutic effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their side effects;
- when taking Aspirin and Methotrexate simultaneously, the negative effect of the latter drug increases;
- Aspirin can enhance the hypoglycemic effect of sulfonylureas;
- if you take Aspirin along with corticosteroids, the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding increases;
- the drug can weaken the effect of Furosemide, spirinolactone and some antihypertensive drugs;
- If you use more than 3 g of Aspirin, then while taking antacids in a person’s blood, the level of salicylates decreases.
With proper use of acetylsalicylic acid in recommended doses and safe forms, the substance can become the basis for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in patients with a high risk of developing cardiopathy or existing diagnoses.
18945 Gulmira Sadzykova 01/02/2018
Definition and composition
Cardiac aspirin (hereinafter - CA) is the name of a group of drugs with the same active ingredient - acetylsalicylic acid - in a low dose. Acetylsalicylic acid in high doses is used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
One of the most popular drugs from this group are the German drugs “Aspirin Cardio” and “Aspirin Protect 100”, manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Bayer. This drug is used to prevent the formation of blood clots, as it has the property of thinning the blood. SA is included in the general complex of treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
"Aspirin Cardio" belongs to the medicinal group of antiplatelet agents (prevent thrombus formation, thin the blood). Additional components in this drug are:
- corn starch, cellulose powder (tablet);
- talc, methacrylic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, ethyl acrylate copolymer, polysorbate (shell).
Other cardiac aspirin preparations:
- Akard.
- Cardiomagnyl.
- Lospirin.
- Aspecard.
Aspirin is available in tablets with dosages of 75, 80, 100, 150 and 300 mg. The tablets can be coated with a protective coating that dissolves in the intestines.
How the drug works: acetylsalicylic acid can inhibit the action of the enzyme cyclooxygenase. Thus, this component of SA relieves pain, relieves the inflammatory process, and also inhibits the synthesis of thromboxane, a substance that provokes an increase in blood pressure, causing platelets to stick together and form blood clots, leading to vasoconstriction.
SA is often replaced with drugs based on another stronger active ingredient - clopidogrel. The list of these includes: Zilt, Plavix, Plagril, Lopirel.
