1 in 2 Stroke Survivors Has High Blood Pressure
Feb. 2, 2012 -- A disturbing 47% of people who have had a stroke have poorly controlled high blood pressure, researchers say.
"High blood pressure is the strongest risk factor for stroke, so you would think patients and their doctors would be vigilant about making sure blood pressure is under control," says researcher Amy Towfighi, MD, assistant professor of neurology at the University of Southern California.
According to the American Heart Association, people with high blood pressure have twice the risk of stroke compared to people with normal blood pressure, and treating high blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes such as exercise substantially reduces stroke risk.
One study showed that bringing high blood pressure under control would prevent half of strokes, Towfighi tells WebMD. In people with high blood pressure, treatment with medication is recommended to bring levels to less than 140/90.
Towfighi presented the findings at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2012.
A Visual Guide to Understanding Stroke
"High blood pressure is the strongest risk factor for stroke, so you would think patients and their doctors would be vigilant about making sure blood pressure is under control," says researcher Amy Towfighi, MD, assistant professor of neurology at the University of Southern California.
According to the American Heart Association, people with high blood pressure have twice the risk of stroke compared to people with normal blood pressure, and treating high blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes such as exercise substantially reduces stroke risk.
One study showed that bringing high blood pressure under control would prevent half of strokes, Towfighi tells WebMD. In people with high blood pressure, treatment with medication is recommended to bring levels to less than 140/90.
Towfighi presented the findings at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2012.
A Visual Guide to Understanding Stroke
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