Taking medications
Question one - My father has been prescribed aspirin, simvastatin and atenolol following a stroke, why is this?
Aspirin is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs, both for primary prevention of stroke, as well as when taking steps to reduce the risk of a stroke happening again in the future. Aspirin makes the blood less sticky and less likely to form clots, which are a common cause of stroke because they can lead to blockage of a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. See our factsheet on Aspirin and stroke for further information, including the alternatives that are sometimes recommended.
Simvastatin is a type of medication prescribed to lower someone’s cholesterol levels. If your father has high cholesterol he is at increased risk of stroke. High cholesterol in the blood increases the chances of fatty deposits accumulating on the walls of blood vessels, leading to narrowing of the arteries which increases the risk of stroke. See our factsheet on Diet and stroke for more information on the role of cholesterol, and on healthy eating in general.
Atenolol is one of a group of medicines called Beta Blockers. These are just one type of medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), which is the biggest risk factor for stroke. See our factsheet on High blood pressure and stroke for more information on both lifestyle changes and the different medications aimed at reducing high blood pressure.
Apart from prescribing medications and dietary advice, doctors may make other recommendations about lifestyle changes for secondary prevention. This could include advice on the risks of smoking and alcohol intake, particular recommendations for diabetic patients, and the psychological consequences of stroke. See our factsheets on stroke affecting African-Caribbean and South Asian communities for other general advice on prevention.
Question two - I am having bad side-effects from my blood pressure medication. Can you recommend an alternative?
There are many different medicines available to control high blood pressure and, as everybody is different, some people may need to try several different drugs, or combinations of drugs, until they find what works for them. For information on the types of drugs available and possible side-effects, see our factsheet on High blood pressure and stroke
As we are not health professionals we are unable to offer advice or opinion on your individual medication or health condition. It is important that you do not stop taking prescribed medicine without consulting your GP or specialist first, so you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible to discuss alternative medication. Information on the NICE guidelines on prescribing blood pressure medications is available from the Blood Pressure Association
