While high blood pressure is considered the most important risk factor for strokes, new findings target even slightly high blood pressure as a danger. The authors suggest treatments more aggressive than altering lifestyle might be necessary if future studies support the findings. The findings are leading to discussions about starting earlier drug interventions to lower blood pressure, according to a doctor not associated with the study. Most often, medicine for lowering blood pressure is not recommended until blood pressure is 140/50 or higher . \"It could be similar to what happened with cholesterol numbers,\" says Seemant Chaturvedi , director of the stroke program at Wayne State University and a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. \"Everyone knows those have been ratcheted down.\"

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/story/2011-09-28/Slightly-high-blood-pressure-pre-hypertension-linked-to-stroke-risk/50590960/1
http://tucsoncitizen.com/usa-today-news/2011/09/28/pre-hypertension-linked-to-stroke-risk/