Nearly Half of Americans Believe Aspirin Is Beneficial Even Without Illness, Study Finds

A recent study from the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania revealed that 48% of Americans mistakenly believe that taking a daily low-dose aspirin is beneficial for preventing heart attacks or strokes in healthy adults. However, current research indicates that for most people without a history of cardiovascular disease, the risks associated with daily aspirin use outweigh the potential benefits.

Who Should Take Aspirin?

Aspirin has been used for decades due to its antiplatelet properties, which help prevent blood clots. Because of this, doctors often recommend a daily dose of aspirin to patients who have had a heart attack or stroke or are at high risk of developing them. In these cases, the benefits of preventing new cardiovascular events outweigh the potential risks.

Risks of Taking Aspirin Without Medical Need

For individuals without a history of heart disease, daily aspirin use can pose significant risks. One of the primary dangers is the increased risk of internal bleeding, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Aspirin can cause stomach bleeding, digestive system issues, and even brain hemorrhages. This risk is even higher in people with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders. (cigna.com)

Contraindications and Current Recommendations

Medical guidelines no longer recommend routine aspirin use in adults over 70 or those with a higher risk of bleeding, unless they have a specific indication, such as a history of cardiovascular events. Additionally, aspirin should not be used by:

✔️ People allergic to aspirin
✔️ Individuals with hemophilia or bleeding disorders
✔️ Patients on blood thinners without medical supervision

It is essential that anyone considering long-term aspirin therapy first consult a doctor to evaluate their personal risk factors and determine whether aspirin is appropriate for them. 

Aspirin Consumption in the United States

Despite updated recommendations, a study found that 29 million Americans over 40 continue taking aspirin as a preventive measure without a clear medical indication. This practice persists due to the widespread belief that aspirin is a universal solution for heart disease prevention. Increasing public awareness of the risks of self-medication and promoting medical consultations before starting any medication regimen is crucial. 

Conclusion

Although aspirin can be beneficial for certain high-risk cardiovascular patients, its indiscriminate use in healthy adults may cause more harm than good. Consulting a healthcare professional to evaluate individual risks and determine if aspirin therapy is necessary is essential to avoid serious health complications.