Aspirin: Uses, Risks, and What You Need to Know

When you think of aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain, fever, and heart protection. Also known as acetylsalicylic acid, it’s one of the most studied pills in medical history. Millions take it daily—not just for headaches, but to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But here’s the thing: aspirin isn’t harmless. It can cause bleeding in your stomach or brain, especially if you’re older or take other blood thinners.

Aspirin works by blocking enzymes that cause pain and inflammation, but it also stops platelets from clumping together. That’s why doctors prescribe it for people with heart disease—it keeps blood flowing. But if you don’t have a history of heart issues, taking aspirin daily might do more harm than good. The blood thinner, a class of medications that reduce clotting risk effect is powerful, and mixing it with other drugs like ibuprofen or even certain herbal supplements can turn it dangerous. People on anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation or deep vein thrombosis need to be especially careful—combining aspirin with those can spike bleeding risk.

Not everyone benefits from aspirin. For healthy adults over 70, recent studies show daily aspirin doesn’t extend life or prevent first heart attacks—and may increase internal bleeding. If you’re under 50 and have no heart disease, the risks likely outweigh the benefits. But if you’ve had a heart attack, stent, or bypass surgery, aspirin is often a lifelong part of treatment. It’s not one-size-fits-all. Your doctor needs to weigh your age, other meds, stomach history, and bleeding risk before saying yes.

Side effects aren’t rare. Up to 1 in 10 people get stomach upset. Some develop ulcers. Rarely, aspirin triggers allergic reactions or ringing in the ears. Children and teens should never take it for fevers—it’s linked to Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition affecting the liver and brain. And if you’re planning surgery or a dental procedure, you might need to stop it days in advance. That’s why it’s not just a pill you grab off the shelf without thinking.

There are alternatives. For pain, acetaminophen is gentler on the stomach. For heart protection, other antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel might be better if you can’t tolerate aspirin. But if your doctor says aspirin is right for you, don’t skip it. Just know the rules: take it with food, avoid alcohol, and tell every provider you see you’re on it—even your dentist.

Below, you’ll find real-world stories and clinical insights from people who’ve used aspirin, struggled with side effects, or switched to other options. Some found relief. Others learned the hard way. Whether you’re considering it for the first time or managing it long-term, these posts will help you make smarter choices.