What is the primary action of aspirin?

The primary action of aspirin is that it irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes. Aspirin targets both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, which are crucial in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and thromboxanes. By inhibiting these enzymes, aspirin reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are responsible for promoting inflammation, pain, and fever, as well as thromboxane A2, which facilitates platelet aggregation.

This mechanism is particularly significant in the context of cardiovascular health, where the inhibitory effect on thromboxane A2 helps reduce the risk of blood clot formation, thereby providing antiplatelet effects that can be beneficial in preventing heart attacks and strokes. The irreversible nature of this inhibition means that the effects of aspirin persist for the life of the affected platelets, which is typically around 7-10 days, thus providing a longer duration of action.

Other options, such as activating the immune system, enhancing blood clotting processes, or promoting the absorption of nutrients, do not describe aspirin's action. Since aspirin's role in the body predominantly revolves around the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes,