Should I have aspirin in my first aid kit?

Aspirin plays a critical role in the early response to a suspected heart attack. Most heart attacks occur when a blood clot blocks a coronary artery, cutting off blood flow to part of the heart muscle. Aspirin helps by reducing the blood’s ability to clot, which can prevent the blockage from worsening and improve survival when taken promptly.

The American Heart Association recommends that a person experiencing heart attack symptoms chew one full-strength (325 mg) aspirin or two to four low-dose (81 mg) tablets, unless they are allergic or have been advised by a doctor to avoid it. Chewing the aspirin allows it to enter the bloodstream more quickly.

However, aspirin is only a first-aid measure. Anyone with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or discomfort in the upper body should call emergency services immediately. Rapid medical treatment remains the most important factor in surviving a heart attack.