ABSTRACT
The risk of stroke is directly related to arterial pressure, and this graded relationship appears to be maintained even within the normal range of diastolic blood pressure. Meta-analysis of nine prospective observational studies confirmed that there is no convincing evidence of a ‘threshold’ level of diastolic blood pressure at which risk begins. In general, with sustained increases in diastolic blood pressure of 5, 7.5 and 10 mmHg, there are corresponding increases in stroke risk of 34, 46 and 56%, respectively. Of the factors that predict stroke, blood pressure is dominant, although other independent risk factors have been identified and these include smoking, obesity and plasma levels of fibrinogen.
