Objective To review randomized controlled trials of blood pressure (BP) lowering therapy on stroke prevention to provide evidence for clinical practice. Methods We searched Medline (1966-2003.6) and the large-sample randomized controlled trials on BP lowering regimen in patients with stroke history were reviewed. Endpoints included the ocurrance of stroke, coronary heart disease and mortality. Results Three trials of PATS, PROGRESS and HOPE were analysed. The review showed that stroke recurrent risk was reduced by 28%, CHD risk decreased by 15% and total mortality risk reduced by 11% in BP lowering treatment group compared with placebo control group. Stroke risk was reduced not only in hypertensive patients with previous cerebrovascular diseases but also in non-hypertensive patients. Conclusions BP lowering therapy is beneficial for the secondary prevention of stroke.
