Current status of blood pressure management after stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability in the western world, accounting for 5% of the UK health budget. Consequently, it has been the major focus of recent healthcare advances. Physiological disturbances are common following an acute stroke, chiefly blood pressure (BP) abnormalities (high and 'relatively' low BP), which indicate adverse prognosis. While pilot studies suggest that early intervention to moderate both extremes of BP may improve outcomes, definitive evidence is awaited from ongoing research. Long-term elevated BP is the most prevalent risk factor for future stroke, with a comprehensive evidence base supporting BP reduction to reduce the risk of vascular events, including stroke. However, adherence to secondary preventive medications, including antihypertensive agents, remains poor. This article summarizes the current understanding of the role of BP in stroke, focusing on the management of BP for secondary prevention. Further emphasis is placed on identifying deficiencies in long-term management; barriers to improved application and potential interventions to overcome these barriers are summarized.