A recent study from Johns Hopkins University has found that many older Americans are still taking a daily low-dose aspirin to prevent heart problems, even though updated health guidelines now advise against it for most people in this age group.
Aspirin has long been used to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. It works by thinning the blood and reducing the chance of blood clots forming in the arteries. In the past, doctors often recommended a small daily dose of aspirin—sometimes called “baby aspirin”—for people who were at higher risk of heart disease, even if they had never had a heart attack or stroke.
But over the last few years, new research has raised concerns about this practice, especially for older adults. While aspirin may help prevent heart problems in some cases, it can also increase the risk of serious bleeding, especially in the stomach or brain. These risks tend to be higher in people over the age of 70.
In this new study, researchers looked at health survey data from more than 7,100 people aged 60 and older in the U.S. They focused on those aged 70 and above, examining how many were using aspirin daily to prevent heart problems.
They found that between 50% and 62% of people in this age group were still taking aspirin regularly—even when they had no history of heart disease. That means millions of older adults may be using aspirin in ways that current guidelines say could do more harm than good.
The research also found that people with diabetes, a condition that increases heart disease risk, were just as likely to be taking aspirin, regardless of whether they had ever had heart problems. This shows that the old recommendations are still influencing many people’s habits.
Today’s guidelines, from groups like the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, no longer recommend daily aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke in people over 70. They point out that the risk of bleeding may outweigh any potential benefits in people without a history of heart disease.
Instead, doctors now focus more on other treatments for preventing heart disease. One of the most common is the use of statins—medications that lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Statins have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes with fewer side effects for most people.
However, aspirin still plays an important role for people who already have heart disease. For those who have had a heart attack, stroke, or have narrowed heart arteries, a daily aspirin may help prevent another heart problem.
The study’s authors urge older adults to talk with their doctors before stopping or starting aspirin. Many people began taking aspirin years ago based on old advice, and they may not be aware of the newer recommendations. Everyone’s health situation is different, and only a doctor can help decide whether aspirin is still a good choice.
This study is an important reminder that medical advice can change over time. What was once considered helpful may no longer be the best option, especially as we learn more about the risks. For older adults concerned about their heart health, it’s best to have an open conversation with a healthcare provider to make sure they’re on the right treatment plan.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease, and herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about how espresso coffee affects your cholesterol level, and results showing Vitamin K2 could help reduce heart disease risk.
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