Is aspirin an anticoagulant?

No, aspirin is not an anticoagulant. Anticoagulants are medicines that delay the clotting of blood. They are used to help reduce the risk of medical problems caused by blood clots, such as heart attacks and stroke. Daily aspirin may be prescribed to treat these conditions and to help prevent them in certain people. However, aspirin works in a different way than an anticoagulant.

Yes, aspirin works as an antiplatelet agent. Platelets are small cells in the body that form clots and stop bleeding. If platelets stick together and form blood clots in your arteries, it can cause a stroke or heart attack.

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are naturally occurring chemicals in our bodies that contribute to pain, fever and inflammation. This is why aspirin is good as a pain reliever, fever reducer and anti-inflammatory. But prostaglandins also help platelets clot, so by inhibiting prostaglandin production, aspirin acts as an antiplatelet agent to disrupt the clotting of blood.

Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent and is considered a type of blood thinner, though it doesn't actually thin your blood. Antiplatelet agents make it harder for blood clots to form, but that also means it's easier to bleed if you have a cut or injury. This is why people often call antiplatelets "blood thinners." Anticoagulants, such as warfarin, are a different type of blood thinner.

No, aspirin is not a treatment for blood clots. But for years, low-dose (81 mg) daily aspirin was recommended as a way to prevent the tiny blood clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force first recommended in 2002 that adults at risk for cardiovascular disease consider taking daily aspirin, and it reiterated that recommendation in 2016.

But in April 2022, that same Task Force updated its guidelines based on recent research findings. It now recommends that adults age 60 and older do not take aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, as the risk of bleeding outweighs the potential benefit. For people ages 40 to 59, the Task Force recommends discussing with your healthcare provider the risks and benefits of aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease. The task force still recommends daily low-dose aspirin for those who have already had a heart attack or stroke to prevent a recurrence.

Yes, some people with chest pain may be given aspirin by a healthcare provider or emergency medical personnel if a heart attack is suspected. Not all chest pain indicates a heart attack. Many other issues can trigger chest pain, including heartburn, pneumonia, or muscle sprains in the ribs. It's important to pay attention to the following symptoms:

• Chest pain that causes pressure, tightness or a squeezing or aching sensation in the center of the chest
• Discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or upper abdomen
• Chest pain accompanied by nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain that appears with lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
• Sweating that accompanies other symptoms mentioned above

If you have any of these symptoms, call 911.

No, aspirin is not a recommended medication for lowering blood pressure. To help keep blood pressure in a healthy range, practice healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.

People may use aspirin for occasional pain relief or to reduce fever. They may also be prescribed daily aspirin therapy following a stroke or heart attack. Everyone should follow their healthcare provider’s guidance on dose and directions for use. Daily aspirin is not right for everyone and can have serious side effects, such as bleeding ulcers and an overall increased chance of bleeding. Check with your healthcare provider before starting on a regimen of daily aspirin.

Updated October 2024.