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

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 few medicines that’s been used for over a century and still holds a place in modern medicine. It’s not just for headaches. Doctors prescribe it daily to people with heart disease because it stops blood clots from forming. But that same power makes it dangerous if you use it wrong.

Aspirin works by blocking enzymes that cause pain, swelling, and fever. But it also thins your blood by stopping platelets from sticking together. That’s why it helps prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with a history of them. But if you don’t have heart disease, taking aspirin daily might do more harm than good. Studies show it can increase the risk of serious bleeding in the stomach or brain, especially in older adults. It’s not a daily vitamin—it’s a medicine with real trade-offs.

People often mix up aspirin with other painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. But aspirin is different. It’s the only one proven to protect the heart in certain cases. Still, it’s not safe for everyone. If you have ulcers, asthma, or are under 18, it can cause serious problems. Pregnant women should avoid it unless a doctor says otherwise. And mixing it with alcohol? That’s a recipe for stomach damage.

You’ll find posts here that dig into how aspirin compares to other drugs for heart health, what the latest guidelines say, and how to use it safely if you’re on long-term therapy. Some posts talk about how it interacts with other medications, like blood thinners or diabetes drugs. Others explain why some people take it after surgery, while others avoid it completely. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for your neighbor might not be right for you.

Whether you’re taking aspirin now, thinking about starting it, or just want to understand why your doctor recommended it, the articles below give you clear, no-fluff facts. No marketing. No hype. Just what the science says—and what you need to know before you swallow another pill.