A new study from Johns Hopkins University has found that many older Americans are still taking a daily low-dose aspirin to try to prevent heart problems.
This is surprising because recent health guidelines now recommend against this for most people in this age group.
Aspirin has been used for a long time to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. It works by thinning the blood and making it less likely for dangerous clots to form in the arteries.
In the past, doctors often told people who were at high risk of heart disease to take a small daily dose, even if they had never had a heart attack or stroke. This low-dose aspirin is often called “baby aspirin.”
But in recent years, new research has raised concerns about this practice—especially for people over 70. While aspirin can lower the risk of heart problems, it can also raise the chance of serious bleeding in the stomach or brain. These bleeding risks become more common with age.
In the study, researchers looked at health survey information from more than 7,100 people in the U.S. who were 60 years old or older. They paid close attention to people aged 70 and up. They wanted to know how many of them were taking aspirin every day to prevent heart problems.
They found that about 50% to 62% of people over 70 were still taking aspirin regularly, even though they had never had heart disease. That means millions of older Americans may be using aspirin in a way that could be harmful, based on today’s health guidelines.
The study also found that people with diabetes were just as likely to take aspirin, whether or not they had ever had a heart problem. This shows that many people are still following old medical advice.
Today, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology say that people over 70 should not take aspirin every day to prevent their first heart attack or stroke. The reason is that the chance of bleeding may be greater than the benefit for people who have never had heart problems.
Doctors now prefer other ways to protect heart health. One of the most common is the use of statins, which are medicines that lower “bad” cholesterol (called LDL). Statins have been proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and they usually have fewer side effects.
Even so, aspirin is still very helpful for people who already have heart disease. For example, someone who has had a heart attack, a stroke, or has narrow arteries may still benefit from taking aspirin every day. In those cases, the benefit usually outweighs the risk.
The researchers say it’s important for older adults to talk with their doctor before starting or stopping aspirin. Many people began taking it years ago, and they might not know that medical advice has changed. Since everyone’s health is different, only a doctor can help decide if aspirin is still the right choice.
This study is a good reminder that medical advice can change as new research becomes available. What worked in the past might not be the best choice today. Older adults who are worried about their heart health should speak with their doctor to make sure they are following the safest and most effective treatment plan.
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