New Delhi, Sept 27 (NDTV.COM) Aspirin is a wonder drug that can prevent heart attacks and strokes if taken properly - and also relieve cold and fever, yet it is an underused drug.

Many patients with hypertension and heart disease are also prescribed aspirin to maintain their blood flow.

Not enough doctors prescribe it and only a few who would benefit from the drug actually take it.

Ten days ago, Ramesh Raina was taking a stroll after dinner when he had a heart attack. The pain was sudden and acute.

"We called the family doctor. He asked me to go to a nearby nursing home. He also asked me to take an aspirin that saved my life," Raina said.

Three of his arteries were severely blocked and he had to undergo angioplasty.

Blood thinner

Few people are aware that aspirin, the pill that you take for headaches or minor fever, is also a blood thinner.

A blood thinner does not actually make your blood thin but reduces the risk of heart attacks and blockages in the arteries and veins by preventing formation of blood clots.

Heart attack is caused by a clot and an Aspirin can help prevent a heart attack or a stroke.

"It buys a patient time till he reaches the hospital these [aspirin] are best for treating heart attacks," said Upendra Kaul, Director of Cardiology at Fortis Hospital.

Apart from aspirin, other oral blood thinners used for more complex conditions such as irregular heartbeats and for those who have had heart valve replacement surgery are warfarin and acitrome.

But aspirin is by far the simplest and the cheapest. Yet, many cardiologists say only a small fraction of those who could benefit from the drug actually take it.

"Of the various drugs that have been used - asprin is truly remarkable, it tests man's ingenuity, medication is remarkable, inhibits and reduces incidence of heart attacks by 30 per cent," said Dr Koneti Rao of Temple University.

"It also prevents it in somebody who has never had a heart attack".

Low cost factor

Many doctors feel its low cost often works against it. "No medical rep pushes this drug because low returns," said Dr Upendra Kaul.

But aspirin does have side effects that patients must know. It can cause bleeding in the gums and stomach and stomach irritation and cramps.

Those who suffer from asthma, peptic ulcers or liver and kidney disorders and pregnant women should not take it.

If you have any two risk factors for heart disease, it would be best to ask your physician for aspirin.