The Marvels of Aspirin Tissue damage results in the production of a number of chemical substances, such as bradykinens and prostaglandins, that eventually promote the pain response. Prostaglandins are a group of fatty acid derivatives produced by cell membranes and released into an area of tissue damage. Through a chain of chemical events, prostaglandins excite local pain receptors. Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin production and diminishes the excitatory effect of prostaglandins on nociceptors. Another example: Doctor's recommend that older people take an aspirin every day to help avoid heart attacks. In this situation, aspirin decreases incidence of blood clots, a important factor leading to occurrence of heart attacks. Aspirin acts by blocking one of the prostaglandins, thromboxane, which encourages clot formation.