Many older adults are using aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) without consulting their primary care physicians, according to a new Michigan Medicine study reported on by Noah Fromson.

Key findings from ‘Patient use and perceptions of primary prevention aspirin in the United States:’

·       Aspirin is used as about 1 in 6 older adults’ main preventative care method for CVD.

·       About 25% of adults aged 50 to 80 years did not receive guidance from their doctors before beginning aspirin.

·       The researchers found a connection between taking aspirin as a preventative method and gender/income.

·       Over one fourth of participants think aspirin also decreases dementia risk.

·       Adults using aspirin might not be aware of the risks.