What is the effect of aspirin on the risk of stroke?
Multiple meta-analyses have found that aspirin use is associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. In addition, a meta-analysis of 9 clinical trials found no overall benefit of aspirin for the primary prevention of stroke, with an increase in the risk of hemorrhagic stroke being offset by a reduction in the risk of ischemic stroke. Therefore, these results demonstrate an increased risk of stroke with aspirin use, but no benefit in terms of primary prevention for the general population.