For years, doctors advised healthy older adults to take a daily low-dose aspirin to help prevent heart attacks. However, in 2019, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (AHA) changed their recommendations. They no longer routinely recommend aspirin for healthy adults over 70 because the risk of bleeding outweighs the benefits.
Despite this change, a new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) at the University of Pennsylvania shows that many Americans are unaware of the updated guidelines. Nearly half (48%) of U.S. adults incorrectly believe that daily aspirin is beneficial for most adults.
Who Is Still Taking Daily Aspirin?
The survey found that nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults with no personal or family history of heart disease still take aspirin regularly. This includes:
- 10% who take it every day
- 2% who take it a few times a week
- 6% who take it a few times a month
Among adults aged 60 and older without heart disease, more than 1 in 4 still take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke—despite official recommendations against it.
Why the Change in Guidelines?
For years, aspirin was recommended because it reduces blood clotting, which can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, new research showed that for healthy adults without heart disease, the risks—especially gastrointestinal bleeding—outweigh the benefits.
- In 2022, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against starting aspirin for people 60 and olderwithout a history of heart disease.
- The new guidelines do not apply to people who already have cardiovascular disease or those who have been prescribed aspirin by their doctor.
Misinformation and Old Habits
Many older adults still believe in the old advice, while younger adults are more aware of the risks. The survey found that:
- 29% of adults aged 18-39 correctly believe aspirin’s risks outweigh benefits
- Only 7% of adults aged 60 and older understand the risks
“Habits based on past medical advice are hard to break,” said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the APPC survey. “It’s important for people to talk to their doctors about whether aspirin is right for them.”
Survey Details
The findings come from a nationwide survey of 1,771 U.S. adults, conducted in November 2024. The margin of erroris ±3.3 percentage points.
What Should You Do?
If you are taking daily aspirin and do not have a history of heart disease, talk to your doctor. The latest research suggests that daily aspirin is not necessary for most healthy adults and could increase the risk of serious bleeding.
If you care about health, please read studies about the benefits of low-dose lithium supplements, and what we know about egg intake and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and results showing 6 best breads for people with heart disease.
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