Even slightly elevated blood pressure can increase a person's stroke risk

For anyone who has even slight warning signs of being at risk for a heart attack or stroke, talking to their doctor about a prescription to Plavix could be important. A life-threatening cardiovascular event could occur, even in individuals who seem mostly healthy.

For example, a new study from a team of researchers at the University of California, San Diego showed that people with prehypertension, a condition in which blood pressure is somewhat elevated but not in a range that would be classified as high, are 55 percent more likely to suffer a stroke than individuals who have normal or low blood pressure.

Furthermore, individuals studied who were at the higher range of prehypertension were found to be 79 percent more likely to suffer a stroke.

"Young and middle-aged persons should check their blood pressure regularly. If they do fall into the higher range of prehypertension, they should take specific steps to modify their lifestyle," said Bruce Ovbiagele, who led the investigation.

Given the fact that traditionally recognized risk factors may not be the only predictor of stroke risk, individuals may want to talk to their doctor about ways to minimize their risk.