The specific beliefs of survivors of a stroke have the power to lower blood pressure

According to preliminary research presented in Honolulu at the 2019 International Stroke Conference of the American Stroke Association, a reduction in blood pressure in non-believers could be twice as much as the reduction in blood pressure of nonbelievers. dedicated to the science and treatment of cerebrovascular disease.

High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for stroke and stroke recurrence. Studies have shown that patients' attitudes and beliefs about health play an important role in the way they take care of themselves.

To determine whether certain beliefs have the power to lower blood pressure after a stroke, the researchers studied a multiethnic group of 434 adults (mean age: 64 years old, 50% female and about one thirds of Whites, Blacks or Hispanics) having survived a mild life stroke or transient ischemic attack, also known as TIA or mini stroke. Patients agreed or disagreed with statements such as: "I am afraid of having a stroke", "I can protect myself against stroke" and "Some people are more likely to have a stroke that others".

The researchers found that nearly 78% of adults agreed that they could protect themselves from another stroke. Adults who subscribed to this claim alone reduced their systolic blood pressure (the highest number) by more than 6.44 mm Hg on average one year after their first stroke, compared with adults who did not feel autonomous.

"Certain health beliefs, such as those related to patient empowerment, can play an important role in secondary stroke prevention," researchers said.