If you’ve been popping a daily aspirin like it’s your morning coffee, you might want to take a pause and reconsider. Recent research has thrown a serious wrench in the long-standing idea that taking an aspirin every day is a good way to prevent stroke. The new word on the street? It could be more dangerous than you think—especially when it comes to internal bleeding. Yeah, you read that right. And I’m not talking about some “it’ll make you feel a little off” kind of thing—I’m talking about potentially life-threatening bleeds. Yikes, right?

So, What’s the Deal with Daily Aspirin?

Aspirin is great at thinning your blood, which is why it’s been used for years to help lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But recent studies have made doctors rethink the idea of giving it out like candy. The problem is that aspirin increases the risk of bleeding—particularly in your brain or gut. So, while it may help prevent a stroke, it could also cause a major bleed that lands you in the hospital. Definitely not the outcome you were hoping for, huh?

Because of this, daily aspirin is no longer the go-to for everyone. If you’ve been stockpiling it like it’s going out of style, it might be time to lock it up and have a serious chat with your doctor. After all, just like you wouldn’t leave prescription pain meds around the house for your kids to find, you shouldn’t leave aspirin within reach either. That little tablet can be deadly to a child. So, let’s treat it like the serious stuff it is, shall we?

Who Should Still Be Taking Aspirin?

Here’s the deal: Not everyone needs to be popping that pill every day. If you’re someone with an elevated risk of stroke, your doctor might still recommend it, but only after a thorough evaluation. People at higher risk include those who’ve had a stroke before, or who have things like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. If that’s you, don’t freak out—there are still options!

But here’s the kicker: even if you’re in that group, you should talk to your doctor before continuing with daily aspirin. A little risk analysis never hurt anyone.

What Makes You at Elevated Risk of Stroke?

Glad you asked! There are a few things that can bump up your chances of having a stroke, and some of them might surprise you:

• High blood pressure: If your blood pressure is on the high side, you’re at a higher risk of stroke. It’s like your arteries are dealing with a constant traffic jam.
• High cholesterol: Too much “bad” cholesterol in your blood can form plaque and block arteries—leading to stroke risk.
• Diabetes: If you’ve got diabetes, you’re more likely to develop damage in your blood vessels, which is a recipe for stroke.
• Heart disease: People with certain heart conditions, like atrial fibrillation (AFib), are at higher risk of strokes.
• Previous stroke or TIA: If you’ve had a stroke or a “mini-stroke” (TIA), your odds of having another one go up.
• Family history: Genetics play a huge role, so if strokes run in the family, you might be more prone to one yourself.

What Should You Do?

If you’ve been happily taking that daily aspirin, it’s time to stop for a moment and talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Seriously, it should be a priority. Not only are they the experts, but they’ll help figure out if continuing with aspirin makes sense for your specific health situation. And if you are at an elevated risk of stroke, there might be other ways to manage that risk without the danger of causing a major bleed. You’ve got options!

The bottom line is simple: don’t just assume aspirin is a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to have a conversation about it. So, take a deep breath, schedule that appointment, and make sure you’re on the right track for your health.

Ways to Reduce Stroke Risk: Diet and Exercise Matter Too!

While aspirin might have been the “go-to” for stroke prevention for a while, there are plenty of other ways to reduce your risk—and spoiler alert: they don’t all involve medication! Diet and exercise are superstars when it comes to preventing strokes, and they come with zero risk of internal bleeding.

• Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: A diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins can do wonders for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon or flaxseeds, are particularly great for heart health. And if you’re looking for some tasty, easy recipes to kickstart a heart-healthy lifestyle, I’m regularly adding new ones to the website. Think quick, nutritious meals that help you take charge of your health—without sacrificing flavor!
• Exercise Regularly: You don’t need to run a marathon, but regular physical activity—whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, tai chi, or even some light strength training—can go a long way in lowering your stroke risk. Exercise helps improve circulation, keep your blood pressure in check, and maintain a healthy weight. Plus, it’s a great way to de-stress, which is always a bonus for heart health!
• Manage Your Health Conditions Responsibly: If you are prescribed medications for conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, it’s time to take it seriously. Don’t skip your meds. Reducing your stroke risk is one of the main reasons that your doctor and pharmacist want you to get your numbers where they need to be.

Combining a healthy diet with regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your heart, blood pressure, and stroke risk—no aspirin required! So, why not start now? Check out the recipes on the site and make a commitment to prioritize your health in a way that’s both delicious and fun.

Bottom Line: If you’re concerned about stroke risk, make it a priority to chat with your doctor or pharmacist. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to pay attention to your diet and exercise routine—they’re key players in your long-term health. You’ve got this!

Thanks for letting me get on my soap box! -Doctor Nichole, Pharm D