The benefits of aspirin in the treatment and prevention of UA/NSTEMI are striking and consistent across clinical trials. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking the formation of thromboxane A , a potent vasoconstrictor and platelet agonist. The 2002 ACC/AHA guidelines update retain the earlier (2000) recommendation that aspirin should be administered to all patients with a diagnosis of UA/NSTEMI as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms unless contraindicated (Braunwald et al.,2002a).If a diagnosis of ACS is made or suspected, adose of 160–325 mg/day aspirin should be initiated immediately. If the patient is not already taking aspirin as preventive therapy, the first dose can be chewed in order to quickly establish the necessary blood level (Braunwaldet al., 2002a). Clinical trials have demonstrated that the protective effects of aspirin are sustained for at least 1–2 years in patients with UA. Indefinite use of aspirinin
preventive strategies is therefore recommended. Because of the risk for gastrointestinal complications associated
with aspirin, investigators have identified the lowest effective dose of 75 mg/day, which has demonstrated significant
benefit compared to placebo in preventing death or nonfatal MI (Patronoetal.1998).Thus, the 2006 update on coronary and vascular diseases from the AHA/ACC recommend using 75–162 mg daily aspirin for all patients with coronary heart disease unless contraindicated. Aspirin, particularly in combination with other pharmacological agents such as clopidogrel (Clopidogrel in Unstable Angina to Prevent Recurrent Events [CURE] Trial Investigators, 2001) have proven to be effective therapy for UA/NSTEMI.
Although aspirin is available over the counter and costs only dollars per months, it remains underutilized. In one survey, only 51 % of patients with known cardiovascular disease reported taking aspirin. Of these, 15% thought they were using aspirin but were actually taking nonaspirin analgesics, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Cooketal.,1999). NPs need to provide education to patients about the cardiovascular benefits of aspirin in secondary prevention. Education is the first step in improving understanding, minimizing misperceptions,andincreasing adherence to guideline recommendations known to decrease cardiovascular events and improve survival