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3mo ago

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.

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Nearly half of survey respondents (48%) incorrectly said that the benefits of taking low-dose aspirin daily to lower one’s odds of having a stroke or heart attack outweigh the risks, according to a report published Feb. 3, 2025, by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Overview

  • 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generations to correctly identify that the risks of daily aspirin outweigh the benefits, reflecting less exposure to outdated medical advice.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.