Overview

• Multiple studies find limited protective effect of daily low-dose aspirin for preventing first heart attack or stroke in healthy older adults without prior cardiovascular events.
• Higher rates of bleeding, especially brain bleeding, found with daily aspirin use, outweighing the potential benefits.
• US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against starting daily aspirin for primary prevention in adults 60 and older.
• For adults with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, the decision on aspirin use is less clear and should involve considering both risks and benefits.
• For most people with a prior heart attack or stroke, experts agree daily aspirin should remain part of standard care.