The Role of RAS Modification for Primary and Secondary Stroke Prevention

Abstract

Clinical trial results indicate that the choice of antihypertensive agent can be a determinant of stroke protection, independent of blood pressure (BP) reduction. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) are effective for BP control and stroke protection, but their use may be limited by patient tolerability. Angiotensin receptor blockers appear to provide similar BP control compared with ACE-Is and may also offer the clinician the added benefit of primary and secondary stroke prevention, with the potential for fewer tolerability issues.

Keywords:

• angiotensin 2 type 1 receptor blockers
• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
• renin-angiotensin system
• hypertension
• stroke