Blood pressure control and prevention of stroke

Abstract

Hypertension is an important risk factor for stroke. The latter results in disability and premature death and represents a major public health problem. Various studies have established a strong relationship between increasing blood pressure and stroke risk, as well as clear evidence of a reduction in the incidence of strokes in response to even relatively small decreases in blood pressures. In this review, the pharmacological treatment of hypertension and the benefit on stroke prevention is outlined.

Keywords::

• α-blockers
• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
• angiotensin receptor blockers
• β-blockers
• calcium channel blockers
• cardiovascular disease
• cerebrovascular disease
• diuretics
• stroke