Survey Reveals Widespread Misconceptions About Daily Low-Dose Aspirin Use

Nearly half of U.S. adults mistakenly believe the benefits of daily aspirin outweigh the risks, despite updated guidelines warning against its routine use for many older adults.

A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that 48% of U.S. adults incorrectly believe that taking daily low-dose aspirin is beneficial for preventing heart attacks or strokes in most cases.
Medical guidelines updated in 2019 and 2022 discourage daily aspirin use for adults over 60 due to increased risks of gastrointestinal and brain bleeding, unless prescribed for specific conditions.
18% of surveyed adults with no personal or family history of cardiovascular disease reported regularly taking low-dose aspirin, with 10% using it daily.
Younger adults were more likely than older generations to correctly identify that the risks of daily aspirin outweigh the benefits, reflecting less exposure to outdated medical advice.
Aspirin remains recommended for individuals with a history of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular conditions, but experts urge consulting a doctor before starting or stopping its use.