Final answer:
ASA, or aspirin, is given to ACS patients as a preventive measure to help prevent clotting. It is usually prescribed when there is evidence of plaque buildup but not yet a major obstruction in the artery. In some cases, ASA may be given in combination with another antiplatelet drug as dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to reduce cardiovascular events.
Step-by-step explanation:
ASA, or aspirin, is given to ACS (acute coronary syndrome) patients as a preventive measure. It helps prevent clotting in patients who have had a heart attack, unstable angina, ischemic strokes, TIA (transient ischemic attacks, or "little strokes"), and other forms of cardiovascular disease. ASA is usually prescribed when plaque buildup is evident, but there is not yet a major obstruction in the artery. In certain cases, ASA may be prescribed in combination with another antiplatelet drug as dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to further reduce cardiovascular events.