Is baby aspirin still recommended daily?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
The advice changed: current guidelines reserve daily low-dose aspirin mainly for heart attack and stroke survivors - for primary prevention (no prior event), the small benefit now loses to the bleeding risk for most adults. The rules that follow: had a heart attack, stroke, or stent? Do NOT stop without your cardiologist - secondary prevention saves lives. Started it yourself or on old advice? Ask whether the balance still favors you - do not start on your own, especially past 60 or with ulcer or bleeding history. Aspirin is still a fine painkiller and still right for specific high-risk patients - this is about the automatic daily habit. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you weigh your situation.
What to do
- Heart attack, stroke, or stent history? Keep taking it: stopping is the risk.
- Self-started for prevention? Ask before continuing: the math changed.
- Never start daily aspirin solo: bleeding risk rises with age.
- Ulcer or bleeding history? Say so explicitly: it weighs the answer.
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