Cardioaspirin, what it is and what it is used for

Cardioaspirin – commonly called cardioaspirin or aspirinette – is a drug belonging to the class of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

The active ingredient contained in cardioaspirin is acetylsalicylic acid , the same as aspirin, a medicine used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic in case of flu symptoms.

Acetylsalicylic acid also has an antiplatelet effect on blood clots : that is, it inhibits platelet aggregation in blood vessels.

The difference between cardioaspirin and aspirin lies in the dosage, which in cardioaspirin is lower.

Cardioaspirin is generally prescribed by the doctor in the secondary prevention of heart attacks and strokes , thus to prevent a second cardiovascular event.

The doctor may also prescribe cardioaspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular episodes in people at risk.

In these cases, the patient must not for any reason suspend treatment or resort to alternative therapies without first consulting his doctor.

Natural alternatives to cardioaspirin

The plant drug par excellence with antiplatelet activity is represented by the leaves of Ginkgo biloba . Ginkgo contains terpene lactones ( ginkgolides ), sesquiterpenes – including bilobalide – and flavonoids .

It is not easy to determine which compounds determine the pharmacological activity of a plant extract, but it is believed that ginkgolides are competitive inhibitors on the binding of PAF (platelet activating factor), while flavonoids contribute to the removal of free radicals .

The activities of ginkgo include:

> dilation of the capillaries, with a consequent increase in blood flow ;

> the antagonism of the PAF and therefore a greater fluidity of the blood ;

> the reduction of free radicals with a neuroprotective effect .

In addition to gingko, garlic extracts also appear to have antiplatelet properties.

In any case, it should be emphasized once again that people being treated with cardioaspirin or other antiplatelet drugs for heart health should not resort to natural alternatives without the favorable opinion of the treating physician.