For many years, taking a daily low-dose aspirin was seen as a simple way to protect the heart. Doctors often recommended it to people who wanted to prevent their first heart attack or stroke.
Aspirin can reduce the chance of blood clots by thinning the blood, which is why it became so popular for heart health. However, new research shows that this long-standing advice may not be right for everyone—especially older adults.
A recent study by scientists at Johns Hopkins University found that a large number of Americans aged 70 and older are still taking aspirin every day, even though they have never had heart disease.
The researchers analyzed information from more than 7,100 adults aged 60 and older who participated in a nationwide health survey. Their findings suggest that many seniors may be putting themselves at risk without realizing it.
The study showed that people in their 70s were especially likely to use aspirin regularly. Among participants who had diabetes, which increases the risk of heart problems, nearly 62 percent were taking aspirin.
Even among those without diabetes, almost half were still using it. Based on these results, researchers estimated that nearly 10 million older Americans are taking aspirin to prevent heart disease even though they have never had a heart attack or stroke.
This matters because medical guidelines have changed. In the past, experts believed aspirin’s benefits outweighed its risks for many people at risk of heart disease. Today, doctors understand that aspirin can also cause serious harm, particularly in older adults.
Because it thins the blood, it increases the chance of dangerous bleeding, especially in the stomach or brain. As people age, their bodies become more vulnerable to bleeding, making aspirin less safe than once believed.
Health organizations such as the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association now recommend against routine aspirin use for people aged 70 and older who have never had heart problems.
For adults aged 40 to 70 who face a high risk of heart disease but have a low risk of bleeding, aspirin may still be useful in some cases. But for most seniors without a history of heart disease, the risks are likely greater than the benefits.
It is important to note that aspirin still plays a vital role for people who already have heart disease or who have suffered a heart attack or stroke. In those situations, doctors often recommend continuing aspirin because it can prevent further life-threatening events. The key message from the new research is that aspirin is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Many older adults began taking aspirin years ago when it was widely promoted as a protective measure. Some may not realize that recommendations have changed. The study’s authors encourage seniors to discuss their current medications with their doctors to determine whether daily aspirin is still appropriate for them.
Doctors now often suggest other treatments for preventing heart disease in people who have never had a heart attack or stroke. For example, statins, which lower harmful cholesterol levels, have strong evidence supporting their ability to reduce risk.
Lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and controlling blood pressure are also important ways to protect heart health without the added bleeding risk.
The study, led by Dr. Rita Kalyani and published in JAMA Network Open, highlights how medical advice evolves as new evidence becomes available.
What was once considered helpful may later be found to have hidden dangers for certain groups. This research serves as a reminder that medications should be reviewed regularly, especially as people grow older.
For seniors and their families, the message is clear: never stop or start a medication without medical guidance, but do not assume long-term treatments are still necessary. A simple conversation with a healthcare provider can ensure that treatments are both safe and effective for current health needs.
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