Aspirin reduces the risk of death by up to 23 percent if administered when a heart attack is suspected and for 30 days thereafter. The use of aspirin as a heart attack first aid could potentially save 10,000 lives each year.

Aspirin works to help prevent blood clots

Aspirin helps prevent the aggregation of platelets or blood clotting. Platelets release a prostaglandin called thromboxane. Aspirin's irreversible prostaglandin blocking ability inhibits the biosynthesis of thromboxane and, consequently, reduces the tendency for blood to clot. This is the reason aspirin should not be used with prescription drugs for anticoagulation (thinning the blood) unless directed by a doctor.