(Photo By Flickr User Matthew Hurst)

Taking a low-dose aspirin daily to prevent a heart attack or stroke is no longer recommended for adults age 70 or over, according to new guidelines released earlier this week, NBC News & NBC Chicago reported.

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association reversed previous guidance that recommended adults over the age of 50 take a baby aspirin a day to prevent cardiovascular problems.

The change comes after a large international study found that routinely taking low-dose aspirin may actually be harmful for older people with no prior history of heart attack or stroke.

The groups also agreed that the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding outweighs any heart benefits.

The ACC and AHA reminded individuals that a healthy lifestyle is the most important way to prevent the onset of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

Earlier this year, the AHA published a statistical update showing that nearly half of US adults have some form of cardiovascular disease. The increased risk was mostly attributed to high blood pressure.

Nearly 80% of all cardiovascular disease can be prevented with lifestyle modifications, according to the Heart Association. Doctors recommend regular physical activity and following plant-based diets such as DASH, a meal plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains to lower heart disease risk.