angina/heart attack and chewing ASA

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Why is ASA to be chewed when given for angina or heart attack?

I've tried to find how this works - the ASA should reduce the

severity of heart attack, it should help reduce clot formation.

How does it work when chewed?

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Will begin being absorbed immediately sublingually, as it's broken up in the mouth.

Don't have to wait for it to begin being absorbed thru the GI tract.

Goal = quicker onset for urgent situation.

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Why is ASA to be chewed when given for angina or heart attack?

I've tried to find how this works - the ASA should reduce the

severity of heart attack, it should help reduce clot formation.

How does it work when chewed?

I'm not sure about sublingual absorption....if that was the case wouldn't they have you keep it under your tongue to make sure it's all absorbed that way (like nitro)?

However, I do know that aspirin is one of the few substances that is absorbed in the stomach. So, if a PT chews the aspirin, it will be broken into small pieces in the stomach and absorbed faster (once it's crushed it has a higher surface area then the tablet).

But the bottom line is the same, the faster it's absorbed the faster it's effective.

Peace,

CuriousMe

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