The great American aspirin myth: Heart hero or heartbreaker?

Countless patients take a daily “baby” aspirin—but that could be a BIG mistake

Many Americans believe aspirin is a simple, affordable, and reliable way to protect themselves against cardiovascular disease as they age. In fact, nearly HALF of all U.S. adults aged 70 and older take a daily, low-dose (“baby”) aspirin out of habit to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

But is this over-the-counter (OTC) drug truly the heart hero it’s made out to be?

As a loyal reader, you may not be surprised to hear me say it’s NOT. But you may not fully understand why it’s not.

So, in honor of American Heart Month, let’s unpack this “great aspirin myth.” Because not only is aspirin far from the miracle it was once thought to be… we now know it can cause a slew of serious side effects.

That’s exactly why I’ve NEVER recommended it to my patients. And it’s why I urge you to explore some safer, more effective ways to keep your heart healthy and strong.

Was aspirin ever a “wonder drug”?

For thousands of years, people relied on natural remedies from the plant world to ease pain and reduce fevers. One of the most commonly used treatments was an extract made from willow bark.

Then, in 1897, Felix Hoffmann, a chemist at Bayer, made a groundbreaking advancement. He synthesized (or chemically modified) the active compound in willow bark—salicylic acid—to create what we now call aspirin.

By 1915, aspirin had become the first modern, mass-market, synthetic medication that was available without a prescription (OTC). And by the 1950s, this “wonder drug” had secured its place as the world’s best-selling commercial painkiller.¹

Aspirin’s reputation soared even higher in the 1970s when clinical trials showed that people who take it reduce their likelihood of suffering a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke. It turns out, aspirin prevents platelets from clumping, lowering the risk of clots that block blood flow.

Then, when aspirin also appeared to lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer, many doctors started recommending daily, low-dose aspirin to nearly everyone once they reached a certain age.

But then a few years ago… a major shift occurred.

A bitter pill to swallow

In 2018, two landmark trials following more than 30,000 men and women found that taking a daily aspirin FAILS to significantly lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people who don’t have heart disease. Worse still, these studies found that aspirin significantly increases bleeding risk, particularly in the stomach or intestines.²

These trials also showed that aspirin can irritate the stomach lining, causing ulcers and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). This side effect is especially dangerous in older adults, whose digestive systems may already have trouble functioning efficiently.

The most alarming finding from these studies, however, was that a daily aspirin increases the risk of suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. This life-threatening event happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and causes bleeding.

And if that wasn’t bad enough—a third trial involving another 30,000 men and women linked daily aspirin use to an INCREASED risk of heart failure.³

So, what does all of this mean for you?

Well, taking a daily aspirin does seem to thin the blood—which helps prevent clots from forming in already narrowed arteries. But for those without existing cardiovascular problems, unnecessarily thinning the blood can cause far more harm than good.

In fact, in 2022, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) finally began advising against the use of a daily aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke in men and women over 60.

And honestly, if introduced today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would likely not approve aspirin as an OTC painkiller. (That’s really saying something.)

Fortunately, you have safer, more effective ways to protect your heart…

FIVE steps to a healthier heart (no aspirin required)

Since aspirin clearly isn’t the answer for preventing heart attacks and strokes, here are FIVE steps to keep your cardiovascular system healthy and strong well into your 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond. (But, as always, check with your doctor before making ANY changes to your regimen.)

1.) Monitor your blood’s “thickness.” Maintaining healthy fibrinogen levels is a major key to avoiding blood clots that lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Fibrinogen, a sticky protein, helps your blood clot properly. But when levels climb too high, your blood can become too “thick,” increasing the risk of clots. Plus, research links elevated fibrinogen levels to heart disease, stroke, and even cancer.

So, make sure to ask your doctor to test your fibrinogen levels as part of your routine bloodwork, especially if you’re at risk for heart disease. If your test shows elevated levels, continue getting it tested every three months. I like to see this number below 300 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in my patients.

2.) Try a natural blood thinner. Instead of relying on aspirin to thin the blood, consider a natural solution called nattokinase.

Derived from natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, nattokinase helps dissolve fibrinogen and reduces the risk of blood clots. It also has powerful cardiovascular benefits, helping to prevent and even reverse heart disease. Plus, unlike aspirin, nattokinase doesn’t irritate the stomach or increase the risk of dangerous bleeding.

The typical recommended dose is between 1,000 to 3,000 fibrin units per day, which is equivalent to about 150 mg of nattokinase. For added potency, choose a product combining nattokinase with serratiopeptidase, another fibrinogen-dissolving enzyme. I recommend 150 mg of serratiopeptidase daily.

3.) Lower this important amino acid. High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood, can damage the walls of your arteries, cause atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), and create dangerous clots. Elevated levels can also contribute heart disease and stroke.

Here again, I advise asking your doctor to test your homocysteine levels once a year. Of course, I should note that the range most doctors consider “normal” is too broad, in my opinion. I like to see homocysteine levels at 8 micromoles/liter (µmol/L).

Fortunately, you can control your homocysteine by following a healthy, Mediterranean-type diet filled with nutrient-dense, whole foods—including grass-fed and -finished meat, organic poultry, wild-caught fish and seafood, fresh produce, and healthy fats from nuts, avocados, eggs, and more.

You can also consider adding the following B vitamins to your regimen:

• B6 (100 mg per day)
• B12 (2,000 mcg per day)
• Folic acid (20 mg per day)

(Note: If you have the MTHFR mutation, which can interfere with B-vitamin metabolism, your doctor may recommend methylated forms of these vitamins for better absorption.)

Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil (EPA and DHA) can help reduce homocysteine and support heart health. Look for a supplement that contains 3,000 mg of both EPA and DHA.

4.) Get your blood pumping. For extra support in maintaining healthy circulation and reducing blood clot formation, I recommend a dietary supplement called Plasmanex. It contains Bacillopeptidase F, a natural soy enzyme that helps optimize blood flow and reduce PAI-1, a compound in the blood linked to clot formation. Studies even show that Plasmanex can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism, making it a great addition to your heart-health routine.⁴

You should also aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to keep your heart in tip-top shape. Cardiovascular workouts, like running or cycling, are great—as they really get the heart pumping and keep your arteries from hardening and stiffening. But newer research suggests that isometric exercises, like wall sits or planks, may work even better than cardiovascular workouts to lower blood pressure and improve heart disease risk.⁵

And that’s great news, as it just goes to show that whatever type of exercise interests you will help support a healthy heart over the long haul.

5.) Kick your sugar habit. Hands down, the very best thing you can do for your heart is to cut sugar from your diet. In general, you want to steer clear of all processed “white” foods that lead to inflammation, weight gain, and blood sugar problems. (See page 3 to learn how you can break away from sugar’s “sweet and sticky” grip.)

Say “goodbye” to aspirin and “hello” to a healthier heart

I think it’s safe to say that taking a daily “baby” aspirin is an old habit that the science just doesn’t support. And given the latest research linking aspirin to stroke and heart failure, I think it’s time to rule out daily aspirin once and for all. Instead, talk with your doctor about safer, more effective ways to protect your heart.

Plus, to learn more about the many natural approaches to lowering your heart disease risk, check out my Ultimate Heart-Protection Protocol. This comprehensive learning tool expands on my recommendations on diet, supplements, and lifestyle habits to help prevent or overcome heart disease. To learn more, call 1-866-747-9421 and ask for order code GOV35200.

SIDEBAR: Don’t be one in 6.6 million

You may think taking a daily “baby” aspirin is so harmless, there’s no need to mention it to your doctor. And you wouldn’t be alone in this thinking…

In fact, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, about 6.6 million people in the United States take a daily aspirin without a doctor’s recommendation!⁶

But that’s a huge mistake, especially when you consider all the new evidence showing the dangers of daily aspirin.

If you’re still taking a daily aspirin, please make sure to discuss it with your doctor. Then, ask for guidance on how to break away from this risky habit. (Never stop taking aspirin “cold turkey” without discussing it with your doctor!)

References:

1. “A history of aspirin.” The Pharmaceutical Journal, 9/26/14. (pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/infographics/a-history-of-aspirin)
2. “Should You Take Aspirin to Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke?” Yale Medicine, 12/16/24. (yalemedicine.org/news/aspirin-to-prevent-a-stroke#:~:text=Yet%2C%20despite%20these%20updated%20guidelines,aspirin%20to%20prevent%20cardiovascular%20disease.)
3. “Daily Aspirin Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Failure.” Medscape, 11/24/21. (medscape.com/viewarticle/963641?&icd=login_success_email_match_fpf)
4. “Plasmanex 1.” Daiwa Health Development, accessed 12/26/24. (dhdmed.com/products/plasmanex-1?srsltid=AfmBOoozFlUDqcXUu2_kxtDp_f2PjgYoGSREvT21akgeBbYhmzD_uKPB)
5. “Isometric exercise: Using body weight to lower blood pressure.” Mayo Clinic Health System, 1/31/23. (mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/isometric-exercise-and-blood-pressure)
6. “Too Many People Are Taking Aspirin Every Day for Heart Health.” Everyday Health, 7/2/24.  (everydayhealth.com/heart-health/too-many-taking-aspirin-every-day-to-reduce-heart-disease-risk/)