Blood pressure lowering
Blood pressure is a leading modifiable risk factor for stroke. Commencing secondary prevention medications, including blood pressure-lowering therapy, prior to hospital discharge is the most important for improving rates of adherence long-term after stroke.
Yet only 77% of eligible patients discharged from acute services, and 79% from in-patient rehabilitation services are prescribed with blood pressure-lowering therapy.
Lifestyle changes including diet and exercise, either alone or in conjunction with pharmacotherapy, can also be used to reduce blood pressure.
For current research and evidence-based recommendations see our Clinical Guidelines.
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