Is It Safe to Take Aspirin Every Day? Low-Dose Aspirin Facts

Is It Safe to Take Aspirin Every Day? Low-Dose Aspirin Facts

Daily low-dose aspirin is safe and helpful for many people who have already had a heart attack or stroke, but most healthy people should not start it on their own. US guidance says adults 60 or older should not begin aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke, and adults 40 to 59 at higher risk should decide with a clinician.

This article is for adults who take aspirin every day, are thinking about starting, or have been told to stop and want to understand why.

Key takeaways

  • The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) says people 60 or older should not start aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke.
  • For adults 40 to 59 with a 10% or greater 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease, starting low-dose aspirin is an individual decision to make with a clinician.
  • When aspirin is used for prevention, 81 mg a day is the most common low dose.
  • Aspirin's main risks are bleeding in the stomach and bleeding into the brain, and the risk rises with other blood thinners, some painkillers and alcohol.
  • Stopping daily aspirin suddenly can trigger a blood clot, so don't stop without talking to your doctor if it was prescribed after a heart attack, stroke or stent.

Why did the advice on daily aspirin change?

The advice changed because, for people without heart disease, the bleeding risk from aspirin often cancels out or outweighs the small benefit. The trade-off is very different for people who already have heart or blood vessel disease.

Aspirin makes platelets, the blood cells that start clots, less sticky. That helps stop clots forming in narrowed arteries, which is how most heart attacks and many strokes begin. The same effect makes it easier to bleed.

Doctors split aspirin use into two situations:

  • Secondary prevention means preventing another event in someone who has already had a heart attack or stroke, or has known heart or blood vessel disease. Mayo Clinic says the benefit of daily aspirin in this situation "is well established."
  • Primary prevention means trying to prevent a first heart attack or stroke in someone without known disease. This is where the guidance has narrowed.

In April 2022 the USPSTF finalized its recommendation that "people 60 or older should not start taking aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke," while people 40 to 59 at higher risk should decide with their clinician whether to start (USPSTF). The FDA also says daily aspirin should be used only under the guidance of a health care provider.

Who should and shouldn't take low-dose aspirin?

Your history decides it. If you've had a heart attack, stroke or known artery disease, aspirin is usually recommended. If you haven't, it's only considered for some people aged 40 to 59 who are at higher risk and not at higher risk of bleeding.

Your situationCurrent guidanceSource
Previous heart attack or stroke, or known heart or blood vessel diseaseBenefit well established; take as prescribedMayo Clinic, FDA
Age 40 to 59, 10% or greater 10-year cardiovascular risk, no extra bleeding riskIndividual decision with a clinician (USPSTF grade C)USPSTF via AAFP
Age 60 or older, no known heart or blood vessel diseaseDo not start aspirin for prevention (grade D)USPSTF via AAFP
Already taking aspirin for prevention, approaching 75Consider stopping around age 75, with your clinicianUSPSTF via AAFP
History of stomach ulcers, recent bleeding, bleeding disorder or aspirin allergyGenerally not suitable; discuss alternativesAAFP, Mayo Clinic

The details come from the American Academy of Family Physicians summary of the USPSTF recommendation. It states the recommendation applies to adults "without signs or symptoms of CVD or known CVD" and who are not at increased risk of bleeding, for example with no history of gastrointestinal ulcers or recent bleeding. For those who choose to start, it says 81 mg a day is reasonable, and that benefits shrink with age, so stopping around 75 should be considered.

The 10-year cardiovascular risk is an estimate of your chance of a heart attack or stroke in the next decade. Your doctor calculates it from your age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes status and smoking. If you don't know your numbers, start with our explainer on what blood pressure readings mean.

What are the risks of taking aspirin every day?

The biggest risks are bleeding in the stomach or gut and bleeding into the brain. Allergic reactions and indigestion also occur.

The FDA warns that aspirin's blood-thinning effect "may also cause unwanted side effects, including bleeding into the brain or stomach." Mayo Clinic adds that daily aspirin increases the risk of a stomach ulcer and may raise the risk of a bleeding stroke, and that anyone with a serious aspirin allergy should not take it.

The NHS lists indigestion, stomach aches and bleeding more easily than usual as common side effects. You might notice more bruising, nosebleeds that take longer to stop, or bleeding gums when brushing.

Your bleeding risk is higher if you have:

  • A bleeding or clotting disorder
  • A history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Other medicines that thin the blood or irritate the stomach
  • Regular alcohol use above moderate limits

What medicines and supplements interact with aspirin?

Other blood thinners, common anti-inflammatory painkillers and several supplements raise the chance of bleeding when combined with aspirin. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist everything you take.

  • Prescription anticoagulants such as warfarin, dabigatran and rivaroxaban. The FDA says people on these should talk to a health professional before using aspirin, even occasionally. Mayo Clinic says the combination "may greatly increase the risk of major bleeding."
  • NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Mayo Clinic says taking aspirin with some NSAIDs can raise bleeding risk further and suggests acetaminophen as one alternative to discuss with a clinician.
  • Supplements including ginkgo, omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), bilberry, evening primrose oil and others listed by Mayo Clinic may increase bleeding risk.
  • Alcohol. Alcohol can increase stomach bleeding risk. Mayo Clinic's moderate limit for healthy adults is up to one drink a day for women and up to two for men.

Supplements are easy to forget because they feel harmless. Our guide to balancing real food and supplements can help you decide which ones you actually need.

How to take daily aspirin safely: a checklist

If your doctor has recommended aspirin, a few habits keep the risk down.

  1. Confirm the reason and the dose. Ask whether it's for secondary or primary prevention and what dose to take. Mayo Clinic notes low-dose aspirin is usually 75 to 100 mg, most commonly 81 mg.
  2. Review every medicine and supplement. Bring a list, including over-the-counter painkillers, fish oil and herbal products, to your doctor or pharmacist.
  3. Take it with food if it upsets your stomach, and report ongoing indigestion rather than ignoring it.
  4. Keep alcohol within moderate limits or avoid it.
  5. Tell any surgeon or dentist. Mayo Clinic advises telling the professional before surgery or dental work.
  6. Don't stop suddenly on your own. Mayo Clinic warns that stopping daily aspirin suddenly "may trigger a blood clot and lead to a heart attack."
  7. Recheck the decision as you age. If you take aspirin for primary prevention, ask about stopping around age 75.

Common mistakes with daily aspirin

  • Starting it yourself because a relative takes it. Their reason, often a past heart attack or stent, may not apply to you.
  • Stopping it after reading new headlines. The newer guidance is about not starting aspirin for primary prevention. If you've had a heart attack, stroke or stent, stopping without advice can be dangerous. Our article on angioplasty and heart stents explains why antiplatelet medicines matter after these procedures.
  • Doubling up on painkillers. Adding ibuprofen or naproxen for a headache while on aspirin increases bleeding risk.
  • Using aspirin instead of lifestyle changes. Aspirin doesn't treat high cholesterol or blood pressure. Food choices still count; see our list of fruits that help lower cholesterol.
  • Confusing heart protection with cancer prevention. Research on aspirin and cancer is a separate question; our review of what the research shows on aspirin and cancer covers it.

When to see a doctor

Get urgent medical help if you take aspirin and notice any of these signs of bleeding or a serious reaction, which the NHS lists as needing prompt attention:

  • Vomiting blood
  • Black, sticky, tar-like stools
  • Tummy pain with pale skin
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Swelling of the throat or tongue, a raised itchy rash or difficulty breathing (possible allergic reaction)

Call emergency services straight away for symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain or pressure, sudden weakness on one side, slurred speech or a sudden severe headache. Don't wait to see whether aspirin helps. Chest pain has many causes, and our article on chest pain during strong emotions explains warning signs that should never be ignored. Book a routine appointment if you're unsure whether you should still be taking aspirin, or you're about to start a new medicine.

FAQ

Should I stop taking aspirin if I'm over 60?

Not without advice. The USPSTF guidance says people 60 or older should not start aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. If you already take it, especially after a heart attack, stroke or stent, stopping suddenly may trigger a clot. Ask your doctor whether your reason for taking it still applies.

Is 81 mg aspirin safe every day?

For many people with heart disease, yes, under medical supervision. For others, even 81 mg raises the risk of stomach and brain bleeding. The AAFP summary of USPSTF guidance says 81 mg a day is a reasonable dose for those who choose to start, but whether you should take it depends on your risks.

Can I take ibuprofen while on daily aspirin?

Check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Mayo Clinic says combining aspirin with some NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen, can increase bleeding risk further. Acetaminophen is one alternative they suggest discussing. Occasional use may be fine for some people, but it depends on your health and other medicines.

Does aspirin interact with alcohol?

Yes. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding when combined with aspirin. Mayo Clinic's moderate drinking limit for healthy adults is up to one drink a day for women and two for men. If you take daily aspirin, staying within or below those limits is safer.

What to do next

  • Write down why you take aspirin, who recommended it and the dose.
  • Ask your doctor to estimate your 10-year cardiovascular risk if you're 40 to 59 and considering aspirin.
  • Show your pharmacist a full list of your medicines and supplements to check for bleeding interactions.
  • Learn the signs of stomach bleeding and stroke so you can act fast.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 2026.

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