For hypertensive patients without prior stroke, TIA, or other symptomatic vascular disease, anti-hypertensive therapy reducing SBP by 10 mm Hg, is associated with reductions in recurrent stroke (by about one-quarter) and of combined stroke, MI, and vascular death (by about one-fifth). Benefit extends across all ages, race-ethnicities, and pathological stroke subtypes. Combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy to lower blood pressure is indicated in all individuals with SBP> 140 or DBP> 90, and in individuals with SBP 130–139 or DBP 80–89 who have additional vascular risk factors. Non-pharmacological blood pressure lowering is indicated in individuals with SBP 130–139 or DBP 80–89 without important additional vascular risk factors. After an ischaemic stroke or TIA, treatment may be gradually started as early as 24–72 hours after onset. The absolute benefits of antihypertensive therapy increase with greater reductions in BP, and are higher for preventing recurrent stroke than for preventing MI, in both primary and secondary prevention. The degree of BP reduction more greatly influences vascular event prevention than does pharmacological agent class. Nonetheless, unless otherwise indicated, beta-blockers are not a preferred agent, as they show less efficacy for stroke prevention. Calcium channel antagonists, ACE inhibitors, and thiazide diuretics are particularly well-studied.