When it comes to 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 has been a staple in medicine for over a century—but the rules around who should take it have changed dramatically. The 2025 guidelines from major health organizations no longer recommend daily aspirin for most healthy adults. Why? Because the risk of internal bleeding now outweighs the benefit for people without existing heart disease. This isn’t just a tweak—it’s a full reset in how we think about aspirin as preventive medicine.
For those with a history of heart attack, stroke, or stents, aspirin is still a life-saving tool. But even then, the dose matters. The new standard is 75 to 100 milligrams daily, not the old 325 mg. Higher doses don’t offer more protection, just more stomach bleeds. And if you’re over 70, unless you’ve already had a cardiovascular event, doctors now advise skipping daily aspirin entirely. The cardiovascular aspirin, the use of low-dose aspirin to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke strategy simply doesn’t work for healthy older adults. Meanwhile, aspirin side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and rare but serious reactions like Reye’s syndrome in children are being tracked more closely than ever. If you’re on blood thinners, have ulcers, or drink alcohol regularly, aspirin can be dangerous—even at low doses.
What about aspirin for cancer prevention? Some studies still suggest long-term use might lower colon cancer risk, but the evidence isn’t strong enough to make a blanket recommendation. And don’t assume that because it’s cheap and available without a prescription, it’s harmless. The 2025 guidelines are clear: aspirin isn’t a daily vitamin. It’s a medication with real risks. If you’re unsure whether you should take it, talk to your doctor. Don’t rely on old advice or what your neighbor does. Your health history, age, and other meds matter more than ever.
Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve navigated these changes—how to spot fake pills, why duplicate meds are dangerous, and how genetics can change how your body handles aspirin and other drugs. These aren’t theoretical discussions. They’re lessons from patients and providers dealing with the consequences of outdated practices and new science.
Daily aspirin is no longer recommended for most healthy adults to prevent heart attacks or strokes. New guidelines show bleeding risks often outweigh benefits, especially for those over 60. Learn who should skip it and what to do instead.
