Daily Aspirin: Who Should Take It and Why

Last updated November 10, 2026

Daily aspirin is no longer recommended for most healthy adults who have never had a heart attack or stroke. The bleeding risk often outweighs the benefit.

Aspirin still plays an important role for many people with heart disease or a past stroke. For them, a doctor may prescribe low-dose aspirin every day.

This guide explains who may benefit and who should not start aspirin. It also explains why you should never stop or start it alone.

Key Takeaways

• The USPSTF recommends against starting daily aspirin for prevention at age 60 or older.
• For adults 40 to 59 with higher heart risk, starting aspirin is an individual decision.
• People with heart disease or a past stroke often still take aspirin.
• Aspirin raises the risk of stomach and brain bleeding.
• Never stop prescribed aspirin without checking with your doctor.

Jump to a section

• How aspirin works
• Why advice changed
• Who may benefit
• Who should not start
• Bleeding risks
• Interactions
• Stopping aspirin
• Questions for your doctor
• When to get help
• Frequently asked questions

How Aspirin Protects the Heart

Aspirin makes blood platelets less sticky. Platelets help blood clot, which is useful when you cut yourself but dangerous inside a narrowed artery.

A clot in a heart artery can cause a heart attack. A clot in a brain artery can cause a stroke. Aspirin lowers the chance of these clots forming.

The same effect also makes bleeding more likely. That trade-off is why the decision is personal.

Primary vs Secondary Prevention

Doctors talk about two kinds of prevention. The difference matters a lot for aspirin.

MedlinePlus explains that aspirin is very helpful for people with coronary artery disease or a history of stroke. It also says daily aspirin should not be used for prevention in healthy people at low risk.

Why the Advice Changed

For years, many adults took daily aspirin to prevent heart attacks. Newer research showed the benefit for healthy people was smaller than once thought.

In 2022, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its recommendation. It found that aspirin increases the risk of stomach bleeding, brain bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke.

Cleveland Clinic notes that a large trial of healthy adults over 70 found more bleeding and no heart benefit. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association also advised against routine aspirin for adults over 70.

What the USPSTF Recommends

The USPSTF says the decision for adults 40 to 59 at higher risk should be an individual one. People who are not at increased risk for bleeding are more likely to benefit.

The Task Force also suggests that clinicians consider stopping aspirin around age 75, since bleeding risk keeps rising with age.

Who May Benefit From Daily Aspirin

• People who had a heart attack
• People with coronary artery disease
• People who had a stent or bypass surgery
• People who had certain types of stroke
• Some adults 40 to 59 with higher heart risk and low bleeding risk

Cleveland Clinic explains that aspirin is most useful in secondary prevention, where risks are very high. Your doctor decides the right medicine and plan for you based on your full health history.

Who Should Not Start Aspirin on Their Own

• Adults 60 and older with no heart history
• People with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
• People who take blood thinners or other medicines that raise bleeding risk
• People with bleeding disorders
• People with a known aspirin allergy
• Children and teens, unless a doctor directs it

MedlinePlus advises telling your provider about bleeding problems or stomach ulcers before starting aspirin.

Bleeding Risks to Know

MedlinePlus warns that long-term aspirin use can raise your risk for stomach bleeding. Bleeding in the brain is rarer but more serious.

MedlinePlus lists these signs of unusual bleeding to report.

• Blood in the urine or stool
• Black, tarry stools
• Nosebleeds that are hard to stop
• Coughing up blood
• Unusual bruising

The USPSTF notes that bleeding risk rises with age, especially after 60. That is a key reason older adults should not start aspirin for prevention.

Common Side Effects

MedlinePlus lists diarrhea, itching, nausea, skin rash and stomach pain as possible side effects. Tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.

Taking aspirin with food may ease stomach upset for some people. Ask your pharmacist whether that is right for your product.

Medicine and Supplement Interactions

Many medicines and supplements can add to aspirin’s bleeding risk. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take.

Need pain relief? Compare options in our guide to acetaminophen vs ibuprofen, and ask a pharmacist which is safer with aspirin.

Taking omega-3s? Read our guide to fish oil benefits and risks before combining supplements.

Many cold and pain products contain aspirin under other names. Learn how to read a Drug Facts label to spot it.

How Doctors Estimate Heart Risk

Doctors often use a risk calculator to estimate your chance of a heart attack or stroke over ten years. The USPSTF mentions a common tool called the Pooled Cohort Equations.

These tools look at factors such as age, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and smoking. The result helps guide decisions about aspirin, statins and lifestyle changes.

• Know your blood pressure numbers.
• Get your cholesterol checked as advised.
• Tell your doctor about diabetes or smoking.
• Share your family history of heart disease.

A risk score is only one part of the picture. Your doctor also weighs your bleeding risk and personal preferences.

Myths About Daily Aspirin

Over-the-counter does not mean risk-free. Treat aspirin like any other medicine and use it only as advised.

Aspirin and Children

Aspirin is generally not given to children and teens unless a doctor directs it. Aspirin use during viral illnesses in young people has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

Check labels on cold and pain products for children. Some contain aspirin or related ingredients called salicylates.

Storing and Using Aspirin Safely

Keep aspirin in its original container, away from heat and moisture. A strong vinegar smell can mean the tablets have broken down.

Store all medicines out of reach of children. See our tips on how to store medicines at home.

Generic aspirin works the same as brand-name aspirin. Learn more in our guide to generic vs brand-name medicines.

Never Stop Aspirin Suddenly Without Advice

MedlinePlus says to always talk to your provider before you stop taking aspirin. This is especially important after a heart attack or stent.

Cleveland Clinic stresses the same point. You should not just stop or start aspirin without consulting your doctor first.

Stopping before surgery or dental work may sometimes be needed. Your doctor or surgeon will tell you if and when to pause it.

Aspirin During a Heart Attack

If you think someone is having a heart attack, call 911 right away. The 911 dispatcher may tell you whether aspirin is appropriate.

Do not delay calling for help to look for aspirin. Fast emergency care saves heart muscle.

Other Ways to Protect Your Heart

• Keep blood pressure in a healthy range.
• Manage cholesterol with diet and medicine if needed.
• Do not smoke.
• Stay active most days.
• Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, beans and whole grains.

These habits help everyone, whether or not you take aspirin. They lower the risk of heart attack and stroke without adding bleeding risk.

Small changes count. A daily walk, one more vegetable at dinner and a little less salt can add up over time.

Learn about common heart medicines in our guides to blood pressure medicines and statin side effects.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Do I need daily aspirin based on my heart history?
• What is my risk of heart disease over the next ten years?
• What is my bleeding risk?
• Should I keep taking aspirin as I get older?
• Which pain relievers are safe with aspirin?

Bring a full list of your medicines, vitamins and supplements to every visit. It helps your doctor weigh the risks clearly.

When to Get Help

• Black or bloody stools
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Sudden severe headache, weakness or trouble speaking
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Swelling of the face or throat after taking aspirin

Call 911 for chest pain, signs of stroke or heavy bleeding.

Your Daily Aspirin Checklist

• Do not start aspirin on your own
• Know why you take it if prescribed
• Watch for signs of bleeding
• Check pain relievers with a pharmacist
• Review aspirin at each checkup
• Never stop without your doctor

Test Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take a daily aspirin?

Only if your doctor recommends it based on your heart history and bleeding risk.

Can I stop taking aspirin on my own?

No. Talk to your doctor first, especially after a heart attack or stent.

Why is aspirin no longer recommended for everyone?

Bleeding risks often outweigh the benefits for healthy people.

Can children take aspirin?

Not unless a doctor directs it.

Conclusion

Daily aspirin is a helpful medicine for many people with heart disease, but not for most healthy adults. The bleeding risk is real.

Talk with your doctor before starting or stopping aspirin, and review it as you age.

Editor’s Note

This guide is accurate as of November 10, 2026. It draws on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, MedlinePlus and Cleveland Clinic.

Your doctor can explain what is right for you.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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