Who Should Take Aspirin? Who Benefits and Who Should Avoid It

When you hear aspirin, a common over-the-counter pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug also used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Also known as acetylsalicylic acid, it’s one of the most studied medications in history. But just because it’s available without a prescription doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. For some people, daily low-dose aspirin can be a lifesaver. For others, it could cause serious harm—like internal bleeding or stomach ulcers. The key isn’t whether aspirin works, but whether it’s right for you.

Aspirin works as a blood thinner, a substance that reduces the ability of platelets to clump together and form clots. That’s why doctors sometimes recommend it for people who’ve had a heart attack, stroke, or stent placement. It’s also used in certain high-risk cases—like people with diabetes and multiple heart disease risk factors. But if you’ve never had a cardiovascular event, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Recent studies, including one from the Journal of the American Medical Association, show that for healthy adults over 70, daily aspirin doesn’t extend life and may increase the chance of dangerous bleeding.

Who definitely shouldn’t take aspirin? Anyone with a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, or severe liver or kidney disease. People taking other blood thinners like warfarin or apixaban should avoid it unless a doctor specifically says otherwise. Even kids and teens with viral infections should never take aspirin—it’s linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but deadly condition. And if you’re planning surgery, you’ll likely be told to stop aspirin days in advance. It’s not just about heart health—it’s about your whole body’s balance.

There’s also a big difference between occasional use and daily use. Taking aspirin once for a headache or fever is generally fine for most adults. But taking it every day without medical guidance? That’s a different story. Many people start it because they heard it’s "good for the heart," but few know their personal risk level. If you’re over 40 and wondering if you should start, talk to your doctor first. They’ll look at your age, blood pressure, cholesterol, family history, and other factors—not just guess.

And here’s something most don’t realize: aspirin isn’t the only option for heart protection. Lifestyle changes—like walking daily, eating more vegetables, and quitting smoking—can reduce heart attack risk just as much, without side effects. For some, statins or other medications work better than aspirin. It’s not about one magic pill. It’s about your personal health picture.

Below, you’ll find real, practical posts that dig into exactly this—when aspirin helps, when it hurts, what to do if you miss a dose, how it interacts with other drugs like ibuprofen or anticoagulants, and what alternatives actually work. No fluff. No marketing. Just clear info from people who’ve been there.