Vnitr Lek 2024, 70(6):E10-E12 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2024.080

Primary and secondary prevention of stroke and arterial hypertension

Jiří Widimský

III. interní klinika VFN a 1. LF UK Praha

Strokes are among the most common cardiovascular complications, with arterial hypertension being considered the most significant risk factor. It is estimated that more than 50% of strokes are caused by hypertension, and high blood pressure alone increases the risk of stroke by 3-4 times! Furthermore, hypertension is an independent risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation. The following brief summary addresses approaches to antihypertensive treatment in the primary and secondary prevention of strokes. Adequate control of hypertension through pharmacological treatment leads (among other benefits) to a significant reduction in the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Early initiation of antihypertensive treatment also slows the progression of cognitive disorders. This text briefly summarizes current approaches to pharmacological antihypertensive intervention. The treatment of hypertension in the acute phase of a stroke depends on the underlying cause, the treatment used, and the time elapsed since the onset of symptoms. Details are beyond the scope of this text.

Keywords: primary and secondary prevention, stroke, hypertension, therapy.

Accepted: September 19, 2024; Published: October 3, 2024  Show citation