Blood Pressure Medications Given Right After Stroke Not Beneficial

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that giving stroke patients medications to lower their blood pressure during the first 48 hours after a stroke does not reduce the likelihood of death or major disability. The study included more than 4,000 stroke patients across 26 hospitals in China, who were randomly assigned to receive blood pressure medications or to discontinue blood pressure medications. After 14 days, or hospital discharge, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in mortality or disability. Findings suggest that it’s important not to over treat and cause low blood pressure after a stroke because the most important objective is to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain. To read more about this study, click here.