As your Coroner, I want to share important new findings about the use of daily low-dose aspirin in older adults.

A large clinical trial has shown that taking aspirin every day does not prevent stroke in otherwise healthy elderly individuals. In fact, the research revealed that aspirin increased the risk of dangerous bleeding in the brain—including hemorrhagic stroke—by nearly 38%. At the same time, it did not lower the risk of ischemic stroke, the type caused by blood clots.

This means that for healthy older adults with no history of cardiovascular disease, the potential dangers of daily aspirin use may outweigh the benefits. While aspirin is still an important tool in certain situations—such as for patients with known heart disease or those under a physician’s guidance—it should not be used as a blanket prevention strategy for stroke in the elderly.

What this means for you

· Do not start or stop aspirin on your own. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your medications.

· Weigh risks versus benefits. For many older adults, the risk of serious bleeding outweighs any protective effect.

· Personalized care matters. Decisions about preventive treatment should be made with your healthcare provider based on your medical history.

At the Coroner’s Office, we remain committed to sharing health information that protects lives in our community. Knowledge is one of the best tools we have to stay safe and healthy.