The active substance acetylsalicylic acid has analgesic, anti-febrile and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat acute pain. Because the active substance also affects blood clotting, aspirin is used to prevent blood clots ( thromboses or embolisms) that occur e.g. in strokes and heart attacks. Aspirin can cause various side effects, such as stomach or intestinal bleeding, as well as kidney damage. The indicator in the Swiss Atlas of Healthcare shows aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) dispensed by outpatient care providers.