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MONDAY, July 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) – If you've ever had a stroke, your risk of experiencing another is much higher. But new research has shown that a well-controlled blood pressure can reduce this risk by around 20%.
The authors of the study suggested maintaining a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg or less.
"Intensive blood pressure control of at least less than 130/80 mm Hg is recommended for the prevention of secondary strokes," said Dr. Kazuo Kitagawa, the senior author of the program. ;study. Kitagawa is a professor and chair of neurology at the Tokyo Women's Medical University in Japan.
Although 120/80 mmHg or less could be an even better target, Kitagawa noted that only about one-third of those surveyed in this study were able to reach such a low level, despite an average of nearly three antihypertensives. . drug addicts.
He added that patients often worry about a drop in their blood pressure too low and that some side effects may be badociated with an aggressive reduction in blood pressure.
The new research was published online on July 29 in JAMA Neurology.
Dr. Craig Anderson, author of an editorial accompanying the study, said that lowering blood pressure "is relatively simple." But to effectively control blood pressure, doctors often have to prescribe several medications, although not all doctors do, he said. Anderson is a professor of neurology at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.
"Doctors may have a tendency to be cautious in the use of antihypertensive medications, especially in the elderly and frail, because of concern over side effects, such as dizziness leading to a broken hip, "he said.
Anderson said the most common side effects of antihypertensive medications were mild, such as dizziness, ankle swelling, and fatigue. These can often be avoided by changing the dosage of the drug, he said. More serious side effects, although less common, include falls, fainting, and kidney failure. Anderson said that these side effects can usually be avoided through careful monitoring of the patient.
But as this study shows, antihypertensive drugs also have benefits. Mr. Anderson stated that doctors did not know exactly how low blood pressure reduced the risk of stroke, "no doubt, it reduces stress on the walls of blood vessels, which reduces the risk of stroke. risks of thickening, blocking and breaking. "
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