A Surprising Number of People Remain Unaware of the Risks of Daily Aspirin Use

A recent report reveals that nearly half of U.S. adults are unaware of updated health guidelines stating that the risks of taking daily low-dose aspirin outweigh its benefits.

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The findings come from a survey conducted in November 2024 by the Annenberg Public Policy Center in Pennsylvania, in collaboration with independent market research firm SSRS. The survey included 1,771 participants who were asked about their aspirin use and understanding of its effects.

For years, doctors recommended a small daily dose of aspirin—about 80 milligrams—to healthy older adults as a preventive measure against heart attacks and strokes, due to its blood-thinning properties.

In 2019, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (AHA) revised their guidelines, advising that the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding from daily aspirin use outweighed its potential benefits in reducing cardiovascular disease risks.

“The most effective way to prevent atherosclerotic vascular disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout life,” the guidelines emphasize.

They further state, “Aspirin should be rarely used for routine primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease due to a lack of overall benefit.”

More than five years later, many people remain unaware of these recommendations. In the recent survey, 48% of respondents still believed daily aspirin use provided more benefits than risks, while another 39% were uncertain.

Younger Adults Know the Risks of Daily Aspirin, While Older Generations Remain Misinformed

Young adults (ages 18 to 39) were the most aware that daily aspirin use is generally not advised for most people. In contrast, those over 60 were the least informed, with only 7% recognizing that the risks outweigh the benefits. This lack of awareness among older adults may stem from decades of past recommendations promoting aspirin for heart health.

Research indicates that frequent aspirin use can lead to serious internal bleeding by disrupting the body’s natural defenses that protect the stomach lining, potentially increasing inflammation and tissue damage.

However, medical recommendations vary based on individual health history. For those at higher risk of heart disease or with a history of heart attacks or strokes, the benefits of aspirin may outweigh the risks.

The safest approach is to consult a doctor before altering any medication regimen and to stay informed about the latest health guidelines, which can change more frequently than expected.

“Long-standing habits and past medical advice can be difficult to change,” says Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. “Understanding whether a daily low-dose aspirin is appropriate for you is essential health information.”

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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