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Primary and secondary prevention of stroke by antihypertensive treatment in clinical trials

Guido Grassi1, Francesca Arenare, Fosca Quarti Trevano

  • 1Clinica Medica, Ospedale S. Gerardo, Università Milano Bicocca, Via Pergolesi 33, 20052, Monza (Milan), Italy. guido.grassi@unimib.it

Current Hypertension Reports
|August 10, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Controlling high blood pressure is crucial for preventing stroke and its recurrence. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors offer additional cerebrovascular protection beyond blood pressure reduction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension) is a primary risk factor for stroke.
  • Effective blood pressure control is essential for both primary and secondary stroke prevention.
  • Cerebrovascular disease management requires targeted antihypertensive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence from randomized clinical trials on blood pressure reduction's effect on stroke.
  • To highlight the cerebrovascular protective benefits of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors.
  • To assess additive protective effects of these drugs beyond blood pressure lowering.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized clinical trials.
  • Analysis of evidence on blood pressure reduction and stroke outcomes.
  • Evaluation of studies on renin-angiotensin system acting drugs.

Main Results:

  • Blood pressure reduction significantly lowers stroke risk and recurrence.
  • Drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin system demonstrate cerebrovascular protective effects.
  • These agents provide benefits additive to those from blood pressure lowering alone.

Conclusions:

  • Aggressive blood pressure management is vital in stroke prevention and management.
  • Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors are valuable therapeutic options for cerebrovascular protection.
  • Combined strategies targeting blood pressure and specific pathways offer enhanced stroke prevention.

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