Aspirin is one of the most commonly used medications in the world, but a new review confirms that it should not be used as a preventive drug for most adults with good heart health.

According to CNN, an article published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology examined the risks and benefits of taking low dose aspirin, less than 325 milligrams daily. The researchers found that the risk of major bleeding because of the drug’s blood thinning effects, far outweigh the benefits.

Both the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recommend that daily aspirin is only appropriate for patients who have had a previous heart attack, stroke, or open heart surgery.

However, some Americans may still be taking low-dose aspirin thinking it could save them from having a heart attack.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin, author of "The Healthy Heart Miracle", adds that while aspirin can help prevent heart attacks by keeping blood clots from forming, studies conclude that it does not, in the long run, save lives.

“A review of 13 studies showed that 5 years of taking aspirin every day increased virtually the same percentage of major bleeding episodes as it reduced the incidence of heart attacks,” said Mirkin. “That means that the number of lives that were saved by aspirin decreasing the clotting that caused heart attacks was lost by aspirin causing bleeding episodes, including strokes.”

Mirkin cautions that people should never stop taking aspirin suddenly or this may increase your risk of having a heart attack. Always taper off by following the advice of your physician.