The discussion around the appropriateness of aspirin use for individuals aged 60 and older persists as healthcare professionals gain insight into its potential benefits and drawbacks regarding long-term usage.

Aspirin is an easily obtainable medication that’s utilized for various purposes, predominantly for preventing heart attacks and strokes in older adults. In addition to alleviating pain, healthcare providers may recommend aspirin to those deemed at risk for heart-related events, as noted by Harvard Health.

Dr. Michael J. Blaha, who leads clinical research at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, explains how aspirin may aid in these health issues and how its blood-thinning properties could be advantageous or detrimental depending on individual health.

Is aspirin a blood thinner?

Yes, aspirin serves as a blood thinner and is beneficial for individuals at high risk of heart attacks or strokes.

Heart attacks and strokes occur when plaque builds up in arteries, which hampers blood circulation and can lead to the formation of small clots. A heart attack happens when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, while a stroke results from obstructed blood flow to the brain.

This is where aspirin’s role becomes significant: it helps thin the blood, making clots less likely to form.

“Aspirin can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as other types of clots like those that occur in the deep veins of the legs,” states Blaha. “At low doses, aspirin inhibits platelets, which in turn reduces the likelihood of blood clots.”

For individuals at greater risk of cardiovascular problems, the ability to thin the blood and decrease clot formation is certainly a clear advantage. However, aspirin isn’t suitable for everyone.

“In the realm of cardiovascular diseases, we typically favor blood thinning because many heart issues are triggered by blood clots,” Blaha explains. “Nonetheless, blood thinning always comes with a heightened risk of bleeding.”

Who should avoid taking aspirin?

According to a 2021 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, nearly one in three Americans aged 60 and older — approximately 19 million individuals — take aspirin daily. Moreover, over three million Americans reported taking aspirin without prior consultation with a healthcare professional.

However, the American Heart Association cautions against the routine use of low-dose aspirin without first discussing it with your doctor.

“Too many low-risk individuals have been using aspirin in the past, often without professional advice,” Blaha observes. In general, people who are “at low to moderate risk of cardiovascular issues, with no visible signs of underlying disease in imaging tests or previous heart attacks or strokes,” should also steer clear of aspirin, he adds.

Due to the elevated risk of bleeding, individuals with a history of bleeding conditions or gastrointestinal issues should refrain from using aspirin, as Blaha points out. Aspirin “can damage the stomach’s protective lining against acid, increasing vulnerability to ulcers that may bleed,” according to Harvard Health.

Additionally, if you have a history of heart attacks or strokes, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before stopping aspirin use, Blaha emphasizes.