Medicus, Vol. 31 No. 1 Moždani udar, 2022.
Review article
Stroke and Arterial Hypertension
Anteo Bradarić Šlujo
Andrija Matetić
Abstract
Due to its high prevalence throughout the world, arterial hypertension is one of the leading global causes of morbidity and mortality. Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke are the third leading causes of death associated to arterial hypertension. Treatment of acute stroke requires cautious and significant reduction in blood pressure, depending on whether it is an ischemic or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular incident, and whether fibrinolytic therapy has been used. Special emphasis is placed on stroke prevention through proper regulation of hypertension with antihypertensive therapy and lifestyle changes, which include the reduction of salt intake, regulation of diet, avoidance of excessive alcohol intake, quitting smoking and maintaining optimal body weight. Reducing salt intake may result in a decrease of antihypertensive drugs needed to achieve target blood pressure values. A balanced diet with low-fat dairy products and unsaturated fatty acids significantly reduces the risk of stroke. Quitting smoking also considerably reduces the risk, especially in patients with arterial hypertension. There is evidence of adverse effects of alcohol consumption on arterial blood pressure as it increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which surpasses the potentially favorable link between moderate alcohol consumption and ischemic stroke. Regular physical activity is recommended in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and mortality, including arterial hypertension. Weight loss in the obese improves effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs and the overall profile of cardiovascular risks, hence the risk of stroke.
Keywords
stroke; arterial hypertension; lifestyle; prevention
Hrčak ID:
275917
URI
Publication date:
2.5.2022.
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