What is the correlation between lowering blood pressure and secondary stroke prevention?
A systematic review and metaregression analysis of randomized clinical trials found that blood pressure reduction is associated with reduced risk of recurrent stroke. Further, a network meta-analysis of randomized trials reported that blood pressure-lowering drugs are effective for preventing stroke recurrence. The population attributable risk for cardiovascular disease associated with hypertension, as reported in the Northern Manhattan Study, found that hypertension is a major factor in cardiovascular disease and stroke. Lastly, the PROGRESS trial found that lower target blood pressures are safe and effective for the prevention of recurrent stroke.