Taking this medicine might not be safe anymore. Here’s what doctors want you to know
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
As we age, we often find ourselves navigating a sea of health advice, some of which can be as changeable as the tides.
For many within the over-60s community, This medicine was once touted as a preventative measure against heart attack and stroke, but new medical guidelines have added more nuance to the conversation.
As research has evolved, medical experts have found that while aspirin can help prevent blood clots, it also carries risks, particularly for those without a history of cardiovascular disease.
Dr Michael J. Blaha, director of clinical research for the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, explains that aspirin use has not changed for people with a history of heart attack or stroke. “It remains standard of care in that situation,” he says.
The latest recommendations suggest a more individualized approach to aspirin use. Image Source: Reddit
However, for those without a history of heart disease, doctors are weighing the benefits of aspirin against its potential risks—especially an increased risk of bleeding.
Aspirin is a blood thinner, which helps prevent blood clots that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. These events occur when plaque builds up in arteries, slowing blood flow and allowing clots to form. A blocked artery in the heart can trigger a heart attack, while a blocked artery in the brain can cause a stroke.
“In low doses, aspirin inhibits platelets and therefore reduces blood clots,” Dr. Blaha explains.
While this effect can be lifesaving for those at high risk of cardiovascular events, it can be dangerous for others. Blood thinning increases the risk of internal bleeding, particularly in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal issues or bleeding disorders.
The latest recommendations suggest a more individualized approach to aspirin use.
“Aspirin remains an effective therapy,” Dr. Blaha says. “It just requires more consideration than in the past before prescribing it purely for prevention.”
One reason for the shift is that overall cardiovascular risk has declined in recent generations, thanks to improved lifestyle habits and medications like statins, which lower cholesterol.
However, aspirin still plays a role in preventing heart attacks and strokes, especially for those at higher risk. It remains one of the most accessible and cost-effective preventive treatments available.
According to a 2021 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, nearly one in three Americans over 60—about 19 million people—take aspirin daily. Shockingly, more than three million do so without consulting a doctor.
The American Heart Association warns against taking daily low-dose aspirin without medical guidance.
Dr. Blaha notes that “too many low-risk patients were taking aspirin in the past, sometimes without consulting a medical professional.” He advises against aspirin use for those at low to moderate cardiovascular risk who have no signs of heart disease.
Additionally, people with a history of bleeding disorders, ulcers, or gastrointestinal issues should avoid aspirin due to its potential to cause internal bleeding. Harvard Health warns that aspirin “weakens the stomach’s protective lining against acid, making the stomach and intestines more vulnerable to ulcers, which can bleed.”
If you have a history of heart attacks or stroke, however, do not stop taking aspirin without speaking to your doctor first, Blaha added.
