In this meta-analysis, four of five placebo-controlled studies showed that antihypertensive treatment prevented stroke recurrence, most markedly in a study with a combination of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and a diuretic. Studies with beta-blockers were not included. Two head-to-head comparisons of a calcium antagonist and an angiotensin receptor antagonist showed no clear difference. 
Danish studies show that approximately 60% of patients with stroke are hypertensive one year after discharge from hospital. Antihypertensive treatment should be started or intensified in such patients.