For years, a daily dose of aspirin has been prescribed to decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke. New research shows that this common practice may actually be harmful, however. 

Baylor College of Medicine researchers found that Americans are over prescribed low-dose aspirin, and there may be health consequences. 

The study examined health guidelines published by various organisations, including the American Heart Association, and found that regular aspirin use was not recommended for most people.  

Researchers also examined data from 69,000 patients in the National Cardiovascular Registry Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence (PINNACLE) to determine their aspirin use. The results indicated that nearly 12 per cent of the heart patients were taking aspirin unnecessarily, and had been doing so for years. 

They also found higher aspirin usage among female patients compared to male heart patients. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against daily aspirin use in an Information for Consumers update published in May. 

"The FDA has reviewed the available data and does not believe the evidence supports the general use of aspirin for primary prevention of a heart attack or stroke," their statement read. 

"In fact, there are serious risks associated with the use of aspirin, including increased risk of bleeding in the stomach and brain, in situations where the benefit of aspirin for primary prevention has not been established."

Aspirin was recommended to help prevent a second heart attack or stroke, or for people with coronary artery disease. 

"In patients who have had such cardiovascular events, the known benefits of aspirin for secondary prevention outweigh the risk of bleeding," the FDA said. 

Patients were encouraged to talk to their doctor about the best treatment for their condition.