Degree of blood pressure reduction and recurrent stroke: The PROGRESS trial

Abstract

Objective: There is ongoing controversy regarding a 'J-curve' phenomenon such that low and high blood pressure (BP) levels are associated with increased risks of recurrent stroke. We aimed to determine whether large treatment-related BP reductions are associated with increased risks of recurrent stroke. Design: Data are from the PROGRESS trial, where 6105 patients with cerebrovascular disease were randomly assigned to either active treatment ( perindopril ±indapamide) or placebo(s). There were no BP criteria for entry. BP was measured at every visit, and participant groups defined by reduction in systolic BP (SBP) from baseline were used for the analyses. Outcome was recurrent stroke. Result..