Question

Consider the following
Assertion (A): Aspirin is useful in the prevention of heart attacks
Reason (R): Aspirin acts as anti-blood clotting agent
The correct answer is

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct and R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct and R is not correct
• D. A is incorrect and R is correct

Hint:

Aspirin has multiple therapeutic effects: - \textbf{Analgesic} (pain reliever) - \textbf{Antipyretic} (fever reducer) - \textbf{Anti-inflammatory} - \textbf{Antiplatelet} (anti-clotting) The first three are due to its effect in most body tissues, while the anti-clotting effect is specific to its action on blood platelets.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Let's analyze the Assertion and the Reason.
Assertion (A): Aspirin is useful in the prevention of heart attacks.
This is a well-established medical fact. Low-dose aspirin is widely prescribed for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, in high-risk patients. So, the assertion is correct.
Reason (R): Aspirin acts as an anti-blood clotting agent.
This is also correct. The mechanism of action of aspirin involves the irreversible inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. In platelets, this prevents the synthesis of thromboxane A2, a substance that promotes platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. By inhibiting platelet aggregation, aspirin reduces the formation of blood clots (thrombi). This property is known as its antiplatelet or anti-blood clotting effect. So, the reason is correct.
Relationship between A and R:
Heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) are most often caused by the formation of a blood clot in a coronary artery, which blocks blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. Since aspirin helps to prevent the formation of these blood clots, it is useful in preventing heart attacks.
Therefore, the reason (R) is the correct explanation for the assertion (A).
Both statements are correct, and R correctly explains A.