SATURDAY, April 30 (HealthDay News) -- Aspirin's ability to
prevent potentially deadly blood clots may be hindered by elevated
levels of fatty acids in the bloodstream, a new study suggests.
It's common for doctors to prescribe aspirin as a blood thinner
for patients at high risk of a heart attack. Aspirin inhibits the
activity of the COX-1 enzyme, which plays a role in blood clot
formation.
It's known that free fatty acids -- released into the
bloodstream during the breakdown of fat cells -- also inhibit COX-1
activity.
In this study, researchers looked at the effect that two fatty
acids -- oleic acid and palmitic acid -- have on aspirin's
effectiveness in preventing clots. Oleic acid is found in various
animal and vegetable fats, and palmitic acid is one of the most
common saturated fats found in plants and animals.
The researchers found that both types of fatty acids interfered
with aspirin's ability to reduce the risk of clots, according to an
American Heart Association news release.
The study was to be presented Saturday at the American Heart
Association's Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology
2011 Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
Because this study was presented at a medical meeting, the data
and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in
a peer-reviewed journal.
More information
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more about the
use of aspirin to prevent heart attack or
stroke.