Aspirin dose for suspected heart attack?

• A. 300 mg chewed
• B. 75 mg chewed
• C. 500 mg swallowed whole
• D. 100 mg chewed

Answer: (A)

When a heart attack is suspected, giving aspirin promptly helps reduce mortality by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which slows clot growth and improves blood flow to the heart. The fastest and most effective way to achieve this antiplatelet effect is a single dose of non-enteric-coated aspirin around 300 mg, taken by chewing. Chewing increases surface area and speeds absorption into the bloodstream, so the antiplatelet action begins within minutes—crucial in the acute event.

Lowering the dose to 75 mg would still provide antiplatelet effect but may be too slow or insufficient in an acute setting. A larger dose like 500 mg that is swallowed whole would be absorbed more slowly, delaying the effect, and could irritate the stomach without adding benefit in terms of speed. A 100 mg dose is also likely too small to achieve the rapid onset needed.

So, the best option is a 300 mg chewable aspirin, chosen for rapid absorption and quick antiplatelet action in suspected heart attack.