Raised blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor after stroke and is easy to under-treat once the acute phase has passed. Record it at every follow-up, ideally with a home-reading record, and treat to the target your local guideline sets.
Check that medicines are being taken, ask about side effects, and review the target again if the patient has had a low reading, a fall or a change in function.
- Record blood pressure at each review and ask for a home log.
- Check adherence and side effects before adding a new drug.
- Aim for the target in your local guideline and adjust for falls or postural symptoms.
- Review salt intake, weight and activity at the same visit.
Why it matters
Blood pressure is one of the few levers after stroke that is cheap, measurable and treatable.
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