If you've incorporated an aspirin a day into your health and vitamin regimen, without the expressed directive of a doctor, you could be doing more harm to your body than good, says a new federal study.

The Food and Drug Administration is warning taking an aspirin a day in a quest to ward off potential heart attacks isn't always the best decision, especially if your doctor hasn't prescribed it.

The news comes as the U.S. population is an aging demographic and more consumers are being much more active about their healthcare and healthcare treatments in light of the federal healthcare program put in place.

A FDA official says benefits and risks of taking an aspirin daily to stave off potential heart issues has to be assessed by a medical professional.

"Since the 1990s, clinical data have shown that in people who have experienced a heart attack, stroke or who have a disease of the blood vessels in the heart, a daily low dose of aspirin can help prevent a reoccurrence. This use is known as 'secondary prevention'," says Robert Temple, M.D., FDA deputy director for clinical science.

But for some, the practice can bring on unneeded or wanted side effects such as bleeding into the brain or stomach. Data reveals using aspirin as a preventative measure is not something a consumer should decide on their own, says the FDA.

"The bottom line is that in people who have had a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular problems, daily aspirin therapy is worth considering. And if you're thinking of using aspirin therapy, you should first talk to your health care professional to get an informed opinion," says Temple.

The FDA is monitoring research related to the practice and said there are a number of ongoing, large-scale clinical studies continuing to investigate the use of aspirin in primary prevention of heart attack or stroke.