Misconceptions About Daily Aspirin Use Persist Among Adults

Tue 4th Feb, 2025

Recent findings from the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania indicate that a significant number of U.S. adults hold misconceptions regarding the use of low-dose aspirin for heart attack and stroke prevention. Specifically, the survey revealed that nearly half of adults (48%) believe that the benefits of taking a daily low-dose aspirin outweigh the associated risks, despite updated medical guidelines suggesting otherwise.

Historically, low-dose aspirin was commonly recommended for healthy older adults as a preventive measure against cardiovascular events. However, in March 2019, new guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (AHA) advised against the routine use of aspirin for adults over 70 without a history of cardiovascular disease due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Nearly five years after these guidelines were released, many adults appear to be unaware of these important changes. The APPC survey, conducted in November 2024, found that almost 20% of U.S. adults without a personal or family history of heart attack or stroke report taking low-dose aspirin regularly, with 10% stating they take it daily.

The rationale for taking low-dose aspirin in the past centered on its blood-thinning properties, which can help prevent clots that may lead to heart attacks or strokes. While low-dose aspirin remains a critical option for individuals diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases and not at risk of excessive bleeding, the recommendations for healthy adults have evolved significantly.

In 2022, following the AHA's updated guidance, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force further expanded the recommendations against initiating low-dose aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, particularly for adults aged 60 and older who do not have a history or symptoms of such diseases.

According to Kathleen Hall Jamieson, the director of the APPC, the persistence of these outdated practices may stem from long-standing beliefs and prior medical advice. Understanding whether daily low-dose aspirin is appropriate for individual health needs is essential for informed decision-making.

The survey results highlighted that among older adults (60+ years) without a history of cardiovascular issues, over 25% reported regularly taking low-dose aspirin. In contrast, younger adults (ages 18-39) demonstrated greater awareness of the risks, with 29% accurately stating that the risks of daily aspirin use exceed the benefits, compared to just 7% of those aged 60 and older.

In terms of family history, 45% of respondents indicated that either they or a family member experienced a heart attack or stroke. In comparison, 49% reported no such family history. A recent AHA report estimated that approximately 3.1% of Americans aged 20 and older have had a heart attack, and 3.3% have experienced a stroke. Furthermore, over 48% of adults in this age group are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, which includes conditions like coronary heart disease and hypertension.

While individuals with a personal history of heart attack or stroke may be advised to take low-dose aspirin, the survey revealed that 18% of respondents without such a history still take it regularly, and 43% believe that the benefits of daily use outweigh the risks.

The APPC's ASAPH survey, which included a representative sample of 1,771 U.S. adults, aimed to assess public knowledge regarding health-related issues, including aspirin use. The survey was conducted by SSRS, an independent market research firm, with data collected between November 14 and November 24, 2024, and has a margin of error of ± 3.3 percentage points.

Through this ongoing research, the APPC continues to evaluate public understanding of critical health matters, including vaccinations and emerging health threats.


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