Blood pressure after recent stroke: baseline findings from the secondary prevention of small subcortical strokes trial.

Background: Hypertension is the most powerful risk factor for stroke. The aim of this study was to characterize baseline blood pressure in participants in the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes trial.

Methods: For this cross-sectional analysis, participants were categorized by baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 120, 120-139, 140-159, 160-179, and ≥ 180 mm Hg and compared on demographic and clinical characteristics.