Understanding Its Role in Health Maintenance

While many people are familiar with taking aspirin to relieve pain or bring down a fever, some individuals take a small daily dose for a different reason. A consistent low-dose regimen of aspirin has been found to lower the chances of serious heart-related issues such as heart attacks and strokes. However, researchers have discovered that the effectiveness of aspirin can vary depending on a person’s age and general health status.

Aspirin works by preventing platelets—small blood components that help stop bleeding—from sticking together and forming clots. While this can reduce the risk of clot-related events, it also increases the likelihood of bleeding. As a result, taking aspirin daily isn’t beneficial for everyone and may carry potential risks.

Evidence from research shows that not all individuals benefit equally from a low-dose aspirin routine. For instance, a study involving older adults who used aspirin every day over a five-year period found no significant increase in healthy, independent living compared to those who did not take aspirin. Additionally, those on aspirin experienced more incidents of bleeding.

Based on these findings, specialists no longer advise adults over 60 to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart-related conditions. For people aged between 40 and 59, the decision to use aspirin should be personalized and depend on their risk for heart disease.

“If you’re not at high risk for blood clots, there really isn’t a medical reason to reduce platelets using aspirin,” explains Dr. Sean Patrick Heffron, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Health. “In fact, reducing clot formation might cause harm in certain individuals, like older adults who are more likely to fall.”

There are, however, individuals who may need protection from clots, such as those who have previously had a heart attack or have a heart stent. These groups may still benefit from a low-dose aspirin plan.

Carrying excess weight is known to raise heart risk, but surprisingly, aspirin’s effectiveness decreases as body weight increases.

“Taking baby aspirin as a preventative measure can help in people without a history of heart attacks, but mainly in individuals with lower body weight,” says Heffron. “Heavier individuals don’t seem to receive the same level of protection.”

Dr. Heffron and his colleagues are working to understand why weight impacts aspirin’s benefits. Initially, there was a belief that heavier people might require stronger doses, but their research indicates that aspirin affects platelets similarly, regardless of body size.

The team is also investigating whether aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties can provide health benefits. Inflammation is the body's way of responding to injury or infection, but when it becomes persistent, it can affect health negatively.

“People with obesity tend to experience ongoing inflammation that doesn’t go away,” Heffron notes. “This lingering inflammation may increase their risk of strokes or heart issues.”

The researchers are evaluating if the anti-inflammatory effects of aspirin differ based on body weight. At the same time, other scientific groups are examining whether aspirin might help lower the risks for certain cancers, premature birth, and other conditions.

“There’s so much more to investigate with aspirin,” says Heffron. “Although its use for heart conditions may have declined, there’s growing interest in what it might do in other areas. We still have much to uncover.”

Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning a regular aspirin regimen.