A new survey reveals that nearly half of U.S. adults still believe taking low-dose aspirin daily is an effective way to prevent heart attacks and strokes, even though updated medical guidelines advise against it for certain individuals.
Even with growing evidence that the risks of daily aspirin use may outweigh the benefits for older adults without a history of heart disease, many continue to follow outdated recommendations, highlighting a gap between medical guidance and public perception.
Key Takeaways
Despite updated guidelines advising against daily low-dose aspirin use for individuals without a history of heart disease, nearly half of U.S. adults still believe in its benefits.
- 48% of Americans mistakenly believe that the benefits of daily low-dose aspirin outweigh the risks for those without prior heart disease.
- Younger respondents are more likely to recognize the dangers of daily aspirin use compared to older adults, who hold onto outdated beliefs.
- Healthcare organizations recommend consulting with a healthcare professional before starting or continuing any routine medication, especially for seniors.
Persistent beliefs about aspirin use
The Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania found that nearly half (48%) of those surveyed still mistakenly believe that the benefits of low-dose aspirin outweigh the risks for individuals who have no prior history of heart disease.
Aspirin only has a benefit if someone is at increased risk for heart disease. They shouldn’t be starting just because they have reached a certain age
Dr. Chien-Wen Tseng, professor of family medicine at the John H. Burns School of Medicine
For years, healthcare providers recommended low-dose aspirin as a preventive measure, citing its blood-thinning properties that help reduce clotting and the associated risks of heart attacks or strokes.
However, leading healthcare organizations, such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), revised their guidelines in 2019. They determined that for individuals over 70, daily aspirin use is more harmful than beneficial due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Despite this updated guidance, many older adults continue to hold onto the long-standing belief in aspirin’s effectiveness, with little change in their views on the medication’s safety and benefits.
The role of age in aspirin use and safety
The survey results reveal that age plays a key role in shaping perceptions of aspirin’s benefits versus risks.
Younger respondents (18-29) were more likely to recognize the potential dangers of daily aspirin, with 29% correctly acknowledging that risks outweighed benefits. In contrast, only 7% of older adults (60 and above) shared this view, highlighting how deeply ingrained old medical advice can be among seniors.
Although there is evidence of increased bleeding risks for healthy seniors using daily aspirin, nearly one in five adults without a personal or family history of heart disease report regular use.
In 2022, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its guidelines, advising against routine aspirin use as a preventive measure for individuals aged 60 and older. For those without known cardiovascular conditions, regular aspirin use now poses more risks than benefits, emphasizing the need for personalized medical advice.
Medication management for seniors
Ensuring correct medication management becomes increasingly important with age, especially considering long-standing beliefs about using common over-the-counter remedies, such as low-dose aspirin.
Knowing whether taking a low-dose aspirin daily is advisable or not for you is vital health information
Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the APPC
Given the potential for side effects and an increased risk of drug interactions among older individuals, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting or continuing any routine medication, including aspirin, is essential.
Older individuals must thoroughly discuss their current medication regimens with their health providers, ensuring they don’t unknowingly follow outdated or inaccurate medical advice that could lead to harm.
Access to accurate health information and regular communication with health experts is critical, particularly when it comes to medications that were once considered harmless but are now recognized as potentially risky for regular use.
Medical practitioners strongly advise against starting or maintaining a regular aspirin routine without clear cardiovascular benefits, especially for those in their later years.
Drug interactions and aging
The updated recommendations underscore how medical advice evolves over time, emphasizing the importance of regularly reassessing health practices—especially regarding medication use and potential drug interactions, which become more significant with age.
Staying informed about the latest medical guidelines is crucial for safeguarding overall well-being and minimizing medication risks, such as adverse reactions or interactions.
These changes in recommendations highlight the need to combine healthy living practices with careful management of medication regimens to ensure that potential drug interactions do not negatively impact health.
To access the most current and accurate medical guidance for older adults, it is advisable to consult healthcare professionals or trusted medical information sources.
