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Blood Pressure Pills Fall Short on Stroke Prevention

Controlling blood pressure with multiple medications does not work as well for stroke prevention as keeping blood pressure low naturally.

High blood pressure is a serious health problem because it increases the risk for strokes. A new study shows, however, that controlling hypertension with medication may not provide the kind of outcome-stroke prevention-doctors expect.

Keeping Blood Pressure Under Control

Researchers tracked more than 26,000 individuals in Alabama for over six years. They were all at least 45 at the start of the study. At the beginning of the research, more than 12,000 of them were taking medications that brought their blood pressure into what was considered a healthy range. Another 4,000 were taking medicines but their blood pressure was not under control.

Stroke Prevention Didn’t Work

The researchers found that people who needed three medicines to manage their hypertension were two and a half times more likely to suffer a stroke than their peers whose blood pressure was normal without medication.

According to the lead author,

“You’re in as much trouble by the time you are on three medications that achieve excellent control as you are when you have hypertension and it is untreated, which is amazing.”

Stroke, June, 2015

The researchers suggest that preventing high blood pressure naturally rather than treating it with medications after it occurs might offer better results for stroke prevention. Some of the best strategies for keeping blood pressure in a healthy zone are simple and well-known, but perhaps more honored in the breach: maintain optimal weight, follow a DASH diet rich in vegetables, exercise regularly, and take time to breathe slowly or meditate. If you would like to learn more about following a DASH diet, you may wish to consult our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies.

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About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
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