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Canada Approves Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) for Use During Heart Attack
TORONTO, ON -- July 5, 2001 -- Today Bayer Inc. announced that Health Canada has approved the use of Aspirin® (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) to decrease the risk of dying during a suspected acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) further confirming the value of Aspirin in heart attack prevention.
The new indication recognizes that chewing a regular strength tablet as soon as a heart attack is suspected reduces the risk of death by up to 25 percent.
"Taking an Aspirin within the first four hours of a heart attack can reduce a person's risk of fatality by 25 per cent - that's an extraordinary advantage," said Dr. K.C. Moran, Emergency Room Physician, Rouge Valley Health System Centenary Health Centre and Scarborough General Hospital. "Aspirin not only has proven pain relieving benefits, but also is the only pain reliever that can help save lives when taken during a heart attack."
Heart attack strikes 75,000 Canadians each year, causing more than 22,000 deaths(1). This new indication substantiates the value of Aspirin, which could save the lives of thousands of Canadians. This new indication for Aspirin has been clinically proven. In addition to being an effective pain reliever, it will allow doctors to recommend Aspirin to patients for use during a suspected heart attack.
"We recommend that adults carry Aspirin on them at all times to use in case a heart attack is suspected," said Garrie Wright, Supervisor, Toronto Emergency Medical Services. "Aspirin is one of the most simple, readily available and cost-effective measures you can take to help save your life during a heart attack, until emergency care providers arrive."
Aspirin is already indicated for the secondary prevention of certain cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack or stroke, when taken daily. For men and women over the age of 50, taking one Aspirin tablet a day may reduce the reoccurrence of a heart attack or stroke by 26 - 28 percent (2).
Patients should consult their physician to determine their risk factors and whether an Aspirin regime is appropriate for them. ASA - like any other medication - may not be suitable for everyone.
References:
(1) The Changing Face of Heart Disease and Stroke in Canada 2000; Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, October 1999.
(2) Bayer Inc.
SOURCE: Bayer Inc.
Related Links: Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and Bayer Inc.
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