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

When you think of aspirin, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. Also known as acetylsalicylic acid, it has been used for over a century to treat everything from headaches to heart attacks. But aspirin isn’t just a quick fix for a sore head—it’s a powerful drug that changes how your blood behaves. Many people take it daily to lower their risk of heart attack or stroke, but that same action can turn dangerous if you’re not careful.

Aspirin works by blocking platelets, the tiny blood cells that stick together to form clots. This is why doctors recommend it for people with a history of heart disease or stroke—it keeps clots from forming in arteries. But if you have a bleeding disorder, an ulcer, or are about to have surgery, that same effect can cause serious internal bleeding. It’s not just about taking a pill—it’s about understanding your body’s response. People over 60, those on blood thinners, or anyone with kidney or liver issues need to talk to a doctor before starting aspirin, even at low doses. And while some swear by it for preventing cancer, the evidence is still mixed, and the risks may outweigh the benefits for healthy people.

Aspirin also interacts with other meds you might be taking. If you’re on ibuprofen, naproxen, or even certain antidepressants, the combination can increase your chance of stomach bleeding. Even herbal supplements like ginkgo or fish oil can make things worse. That’s why so many of the posts here focus on drug comparisons and side effects—because aspirin doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a bigger picture involving blood clotting disorders, conditions where the body either clots too much or too little, antiplatelet therapy, the medical use of drugs like aspirin to prevent clots, and bleeding risk, the chance of dangerous internal bleeding from medications. These aren’t just terms—they’re real concerns for people managing long-term health.

You’ll find posts here that break down exactly how aspirin affects clotting, when to stop it before surgery, what doses actually matter, and how it stacks up against other options like clopidogrel or baby aspirin regimens. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for a 55-year-old with high cholesterol might be risky for a 30-year-old with migraines. The goal isn’t to scare you—it’s to help you ask the right questions before you reach for that bottle.