Wait, Are People Over 60 Supposed To Take Aspirin for Heart Health or Not?
For decades, daily low-dose aspirin was recommended to people over 60 to help prevent strokes and heart attacks—but is that still the case?
As it turns out, not so much—at least not for everyone. That hasn't necessarily stopped people, however: A study released in late June 2024 revealed that 29.7% of adults over age 60 still pop a daily aspirin.
Here's what to know about the benefits and risks of taking aspirin daily and whether or not it's recommended to do so.
Related: Want to Prevent Heart Disease? A Huge Study Says This Is the Exact Blood Pressure You Should Aim For
Should People Over 60 Take Aspirin Every Day?
That depends, but the answer generally is if you're healthy, there's no need to do so.
In 2002, following a study showing that aspirin inhibited platelet formation and clotting, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended that physicians advise all of their patients ages 60 and above to take a daily low-dose aspirin. This is because reducing clotting can also reduce the risk of clots forming in arteries, which can lead to stroke.
However, in the ensuing decades, research showed that unless patients have a high risk or history of cardiovascular disease, heart attack or stroke, taking a daily low dose of aspirin likely isn't necessary.
Related: The #1 Mini-Stroke Symptom Most People Miss, According to a Cleveland Clinic Neurologist
In fact, in 2019, the American Heart Association (AHA) declared that for healthy individuals, the risks of taking a daily dose of aspirin may outweigh the drug's benefits. That stance held up three years later: In 2022, the USPSTF matched their own messaging to the AHA's guidelines.
The AHA said in a statement at the time, "For people who have no history of cardiovascular disease or stroke, low-dose aspirin is not recommended for prevention of heart attack or stroke, particularly for adults with higher risk for bleeding."
Related: This Common Nighttime Habit Could Increase Your Stroke Risk by More Than 40%, New Study Warns
What Are the Risks of Taking Daily Aspirin?
Potential side effects and risks include ulcers, excessive bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding and even hemorrhagic stroke (strokes caused by bleeding, not clotting). As a result, aspirin isn't recommended as a preventative measure for healthy individuals.
Related: This Is the Early Heart Attack Symptom That's Missed the Most Often, According to Cardiologists
Who Should Take Daily Aspirin?
While most healthy adults don't need to pop an aspirin every day, some patients may still see benefits to doing so.
According to the AHA, patients with low risk of excessive bleeding and with increased risks of heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular issues may benefit from daily aspirin. These risk factors can include:
Atrial fibrillation (afib, a type of heart arrhythmia)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Past history of afib, heart attack or stroke
Significant family history of heart disease, heart attack or stroke
That said, if you're currently taking aspirin daily at the instruction of your doctor, continue to do so unless they advise otherwise. As with anything else, it's crucial to talk to your own physician about what's best for your individual case.
Next, Want to Improve Your Heart Health Quickly? Here's How, According to Doctors
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