What Evidence Shows Aspirin Helps in Common Uses?
Aspirin reduces pain, fever, and inflammation by blocking COX enzymes that produce prostaglandins.[1] Meta-analyses confirm it cuts heart attack risk by 20-30% in high-risk patients when taken daily at low doses (81 mg).[2] For stroke prevention, it lowers ischemic stroke odds by about 22% but raises bleeding risk.[3]
Did Aspirin Help in Famous Medical Trials?
In the 1988 ISIS-2 trial, aspirin given early during heart attacks reduced mortality by 23% alone and 42% with streptokinase.[4] The Physicians' Health Study (1989) found no overall benefit for healthy men but a 44% drop in heart attacks among those over 50.[5]
When Does Aspirin Not Help or Cause Harm?
It fails for viral infections like colds, where it doesn't shorten duration.[6] Daily use increases gastrointestinal bleeding (2-4 times higher risk) and hemorrhagic stroke odds.[7] Reye's syndrome risk in kids with flu or chickenpox led to under-16 bans in many countries.[8]
How Long Until Aspirin Starts Helping?
Pain relief hits in 30 minutes, peaks at 1-2 hours; antiplatelet effects last days due to irreversible platelet binding.[9]
Who Should Avoid Aspirin?
People with ulcers, bleeding disorders, or allergies; it interacts with blood thinners like warfarin.[10]
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6109875/
[2] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200102013440601
[3] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.118.021853
[4] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(88)92833-4/fulltext
[5] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM198902023200501
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24861578/
[7] https://www.bmj.com/content/352/bmj.i1063
[8] https://www.cdc.gov/children/reyes/index.htm
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519032/
[10] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/aspirin-reducing-your-risk-heart-attack-and-stroke-know-facts