Aspirin: Uses, Risks, and What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you think of aspirin, a common over-the-counter pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Also known as acetylsalicylic acid, it’s one of the most studied medications in history—used for over a century to treat everything from headaches to life-threatening blood clots. But aspirin isn’t just a quick fix for a sore muscle or fever. It works by blocking enzymes that cause pain, swelling, and clotting. That’s why doctors sometimes prescribe it daily for people with heart disease—even if they feel fine.

Not everyone should take aspirin. For some, the risk of stomach bleeding or brain hemorrhage outweighs the benefits. People with ulcers, asthma triggered by NSAIDs, or those under 18 recovering from viral infections should avoid it. Even healthy adults need to think twice before popping one daily. The American Heart Association no longer recommends routine aspirin for most older adults without existing heart disease. Why? Because newer data shows the harm can be greater than the help. If you’re considering daily aspirin, talk to your doctor first—don’t guess.

Aspirin also interacts with other drugs you might be taking. It can make blood thinners like warfarin more dangerous. It can reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure meds. And if you’re taking ibuprofen for arthritis, timing matters—taking it too close to aspirin can block aspirin’s heart-protective effect. This isn’t theoretical. Real people end up in the ER because they didn’t know how these pills work together.

There are alternatives, too. For pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen might be safer. For heart protection, statins and lifestyle changes often do more than aspirin alone. But aspirin still has a place—especially after a heart attack, stroke, or stent placement. It’s cheap, widely available, and backed by decades of evidence. Just don’t treat it like a vitamin.

The posts below cover real-world situations where aspirin comes up: when it’s prescribed, when it’s risky, how it compares to other pain relievers, and what to watch for if you’re already taking it. You’ll find stories from people managing chronic conditions, nursing mothers weighing risks, and others trying to cut costs without losing protection. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to know before the next pill.