Aspirin: From Pain Reliever to Preventative Weapon

This chapter explores aspirin's transformative journey from a simple pain reliever to a crucial anticoagulant that aids in heart disease prevention. The discussion includes the significance of thromboxane A2 in platelet formation and the contemporary recommendations for low-dose aspirin, balancing its benefits against the risks of increased bleeding. A historical perspective is provided, highlighting aspirin's implications during significant events and its development over time, including anecdotes about its controversial past and innovative formulations.