Intensive BP control reduces recurrent stroke risk

A meta-analysis published in Lancet Neurology, led by George Institute for Global Health, found that intensive long-term blood pressure-lowering treatment reduced the risk of recurrent stroke by 38% in survivors of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The analysis pooled individual data from four randomized controlled trials involving 2,944 adults with ICH. Over a follow-up of up to six years, recurrent stroke occurred in 6.5% of patients receiving intensive treatment versus 10.4% in the control group. The benefit was driven largely by a 61% lower risk of recurrent ICH, with no increase in serious adverse events. The findings support more intensive blood pressure management after ICH, even for patients already at conventional targets, and highlight the need for sustained control to prevent stroke recurrence.