Aspirin is the popular name for acetylsalicylic acid. It was used commonly for reducing muscle pain, headache and arthritis because of its pain relieving property.

As a pain reliever

Our body produces prostaglandins that aids in the dilation of blood vessels and muscle contraction that causes pain. Aspirin decelerates the production of prostaglandin thromboxane, thus reducing pain. But since it is also an anticoagulant, people who take daily doses of aspirin must be careful because it slows down the healing process.

As a cardiovascular drug

Recent studies have recognized aspirin as a cardiovascular drug. It has proved to be an excellent shield in defending heart diseases. Patients who are at a risk of heart attack are given a daily dose of 75-100 mg aspirin as a preventive measure.

Aspirin, being an anticoagulant, plays an important role in the treatment of heart disease. When a person is injured, the clotting of blood becomes essential for the healing of the wound. But within our body, excess clotting can become fatal. If blood clots are formed within blood vessels, it could lead to heart attack and several other disorders in the circulatory system. Aspirin keeps the blood thin thus preventing it from clotting. When a person suffering from heart attack, takes aspirin immediately, it allows some of his blood to flow until proper treatment is given.

Aspirin can reduce the severity of heart attacks if taken in the initial stages.
It is also given for patients after a cardiovascular surgery, during the phase of recovery.  Aspirin must be avoided by asthma patients, children below 16 years of age, pregnant women, nursing mothers, people suffering from kidney or liver disorder, heavy drinkers and diabetics.