heart attacks and strokes.
Doctors believed that thinning the blood would lower the chance of dangerous blood clots forming in the heart or brain. As a result, millions of people started taking a daily ‘baby aspirin’ as part of their routine.
Today, medical advice has changed. New research has shown that while aspirin can reduce blood clotting, it also increases the risk of serious bleeding. This is especially important for older adults because the chance of bleeding in the stomach or brain rises with age.
A new study from Johns Hopkins University found that many older Americans are still taking daily aspirin even though current medical guidelines no longer recommend it for most healthy older adults. The findings suggest that many people may still be following advice that was considered correct years ago but has since changed.
The researchers examined health information from more than 7,100 adults in the United States who were aged 60 years and older. They discovered that about 50% to 62% of people over the age of 70 were taking low-dose aspirin every day, including many who had never experienced a heart attack or stroke.
The study estimated that nearly 10 million older Americans who are not considered to be at high risk of heart disease may be taking aspirin without receiving meaningful benefit. For many of these people, the increased risk of bleeding may outweigh any protection against future heart problems.
Current guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association advise that adults over 70 who have never had a heart attack or stroke generally should not take aspirin every day to prevent heart disease. For most people in this age group, the possible harms are greater than the likely benefits.
This advice does not apply to everyone. People who have already had a heart attack, stroke, or certain other heart conditions are often advised to continue taking aspirin because it helps reduce the risk of another serious event. In these cases, the benefits usually outweigh the bleeding risk.
In the past, aspirin was also commonly recommended for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors for heart disease. Today, doctors have many additional ways to lower cardiovascular risk, including cholesterol-lowering medicines such as statins, better blood pressure control, healthier diets, regular exercise, and stopping smoking.
Experts say many older adults simply continued taking aspirin because they started years ago when medical advice was different. Rather than stopping aspirin on their own, patients should discuss the medication with their healthcare provider. A doctor can weigh the benefits and risks based on each person’s medical history.
The study reminds people that medicines that were once considered routine may need to be reviewed as new evidence becomes available. Regular medication reviews can help ensure treatments remain safe and appropriate as people age. The research was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top foods to love for a stronger heart, and why oranges may help fight obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
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