Hypertension is also one of the major risk factors for recurrent stroke. There are many clinical studies and evidence on blood pressure control and first-ever stroke, whilst few studies have been reported so far on the secondary prevention of stroke. In chronic stage of stroke, rather strong control of blood pressure sometimes causes an increase in recurrence rate of another stroke; the fact is so-called J-curve phenomenon between blood pressure and stroke recurrence. That is why modest approach to control blood pressure has been recommended, especially in case of hemodynamic atherothrombotic brain infarction.
Recent clinical studies which have been purely aimed to witness secondary prevention of stroke; namely, PROGRESS, MOSES, and PRoFESS are briefly presented. According to these new clinical studies against stroke reccurence, the ideal blood pressure level is thought to be lower than 130/80 mmHg. Still, however, we must pay attention in those cases of aged or unsettled arterial lesions. Moreover, other metabolic risk factors should be also take into consideration to prevent cardiovascular events in the future.
