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| - Last Updated on January 21, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that chewing Disprin, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin during a heart attack can save lives. We did the fact check and termed this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, “chewing aspirin, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin during a heart attack can save lives.”
Fact Check
Can Disprin or Aspirin help during a heart attack?
Yes, but only partially. Chewing a standard dose of aspirin (160-325 mg) during a suspected heart attack can speed up its absorption and may help reduce heart damage by thinning the blood. However, this should only be done under medical advice or if instructed by emergency responders. Aspirin is not a standalone solution and cannot replace professional care.
It is important to note:
- Do not take aspirin if you have allergies, bleeding disorders, or are unsure about your health conditions.
- Always call emergency services first—time is critical in a heart attack.
We reached out to Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, and General Physician from Navi Mumbai, to learn whether chewing Aspirin, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin during a heart attack is effective. She says, “The claim that chewing aspirin, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin during a heart attack can save you is misleading and not entirely accurate. Aspirin, however, can be helpful in the early stages of a heart attack. It works by preventing blood clots from worsening, which can be lifesaving if administered promptly. However, it should always be taken under medical guidance.”
Similarly, we have debunked claims suggesting that eating green chillies can cure heart attacks. However, this is false.
Is clopidogrel useful in cardiac emergencies?
No, clopidogrel is not a quick-acting medication. It’s a blood thinner that works over time to prevent new clots from forming. None of the FDA-approved uses for clopidogrel include immediate treatment during a heart attack. However, clopidogrel is used in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which may include heart attack patients. But, it is typically given after the event, as part of a broader treatment plan following procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
In emergencies, clopidogrel takes too long to work. Chewing it is ineffective and may cause side effects. It is used for long-term prevention, not for immediate relief during a heart attack.
Dr Fatma adds, “Clopidogrel is a medication used in hospitals, typically after procedures like stenting, to prevent further clotting. It is not meant for immediate use during a heart attack and should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as it can increase the risk of bleeding if misused.”
On a related note, some people also suggest kishmish water to prevent heart attacks, which is false.
What about using atorvastatin during a heart attack?
Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medication. And, none of the FDA-approved indications for atorvastatin specifically include the immediate treatment of a heart attack. It is mainly used to prevent future heart attacks and strokes, especially in people who have already had one or are at high risk. By lowering cholesterol, atorvastatin helps reduce the chances of further heart problems. However, it is not intended for use during an ongoing heart attack.
Dr Fatma further continues, “Atorvastatin, a statin used to lower cholesterol, is intended for long-term use to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events. It is not an acute treatment for a heart attack and may not offer any immediate benefit if taken during one. While aspirin can provide some help in the early stages, clopidogrel and atorvastatin are not intended for emergency use. The most important step during a heart attack is to seek immediate medical help.”
Interestingly, we have come across posts claiming that chanting the Vitthal mantra can prevent heart attacks. However, this is not medically accurate.
What are the risks of chewing Disprin, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin during a heart attack?
Chewing Disprin, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin during a heart attack can do more harm than good. Here are the key risks associated with attempting self-treatment with these medications:
- Delays in medical care: Attempting self-treatment with these medications can delay life-saving interventions like calling emergency services or performing CPR.
- Harmful side effects: Chewing medications like clopidogrel or atorvastatin can alter their effects and lead to complications. Aspirin, though helpful in some cases, can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in vulnerable individuals.
What to do during a heart attack?
Recognising the symptoms of a heart attack is vital. Common signs include:
- Chest pain or discomfort (often a squeezing or burning sensation)
- Pain radiating to the arms, back, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or dizziness
Steps to take:
- Call emergency services immediately (dial 108 or 112 in India or your local number).
- If instructed by medical professionals, chew one standard dose of aspirin.
- Follow their guidance and avoid self-medicating with other drugs.
In a previous interview with THIP Media, Dr Harmeet Singh, Head of Emergency and Trauma at Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, explained the standard steps for treating a heart attack. He says, “Patients are first given medicines to stop blood clots from worsening. They are then taken to the catheterisation lab (cath lab), where doctors perform angiography to check for blockages in the heart’s arteries. If a blockage is found, a stent may be placed during a procedure called angioplasty to restore blood flow.”
Dr Singh emphasised that quick treatment is essential to reduce heart damage and improve recovery. However, the exact treatment may vary depending on the patient’s condition and other factors.
THIP Media Take
The claim that chewing Disprin, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin during a heart attack can save lives is mostly false. While aspirin (Disprin) may offer limited benefits if taken correctly, clopidogrel and atorvastatin are ineffective in emergencies and could even be harmful if misused. This misinformation is dangerous, as it can delay seeking professional medical help—an essential factor for survival during a heart attack.
This claim appears to be taken from a longer podcast interview by Raj Shamani on YouTube. And, the reel seems to present incomplete information without proper context. However, it’s important to note that this treatment approach may not always be helpful, especially if the person is experiencing a cardiac arrest. While many people use “heart attack” and “cardiac arrest” interchangeably, they are actually two distinct medical conditions.
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