Consistent Control of Blood Pressure Helps Lower Risk of Second Stroke by 50 Percent

Stroke survivors, who constantly keep their blood pressure under control could lower the risk of a second cardiac event by more than 50 percent, claims a new finding.

The study presented by the American Heart Association claims that stroke survivors can lower the risk of a second cardiac event by more than half if they constantly kept their blood pressure under check. The findings are based on the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention (VISP) trial. The data comprised of 3,680 ischemic stroke patients of age 35 and older in 1996-2003.

These participants were tested for a series of risk factors that included blood pressure levels at baseline. The tests were conducted a month before the start of the study, six months after and every six months thereafter for 24 months.

The researchers arrived at the conclusion after taking into account certain risk factors such as age, gender and history of stroke, heart disease and other factors.  The level of blood pressure was considered 'controlled' if it was140 mmHg over 90 mmHg or lower.

The researchers noticed that of the total number of participants, just 30 percent stroke survivors maintained consistent blood pressure over 75 percent of the time. The risk of a second stoke in those who had elevated blood pressure i.e. systolic blood pressure, dropped by 54.

"It's not enough to control blood pressure some of the time. Averages do not take into account variability in blood pressure readings from one check to the next," said Amytis Towfighi, M.D., study lead author and assistant professor of neurology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif. "Fluctuations in blood pressure may be associated with greater cardiovascular risk."

Among the study group, people with a history of heart attacks were more likely to maintain their blood pressure continuously.

In order to ensure consistent control on blood pressure, certain changes need to be made in the care management. Patients should check their blood pressures regularly and not just during clinical visits. They must also lower the intake of salt to prevent the risk of strokes. Consuming a healthy diet and indulging in regular physical activity is also recommended.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The finding was documented in the journal Stroke.