A low-cost medication could help stroke survivors whose blood pressure remains elevated despite treatment, a new study suggests.
The research, known as the REDUCE trial, looked at whether adding spironolactone, a medication commonly known as a water pill, could help lower blood pressure after a stroke. The findings were presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, Nov. 6-9, 2026, in Chicago.
Participants were split into two groups. One added spironolactone to their regular treatment, while the other continued with usual post-stroke care.
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Researchers tracked the participants' blood pressure at home over the following six months to determine whether adding the medication made a difference.
After three months, the top blood pressure number was nearly eight points lower on average among people taking spironolactone compared with those receiving usual care – about 126 versus 133, the study said.
More patients taking spironolactone also reached the recommended blood pressure goal of less than 130/80. That included 52% of those taking the medication compared with 30% receiving usual care.
"Lowering blood pressure is the most important step in preventing another stroke, yet many survivors struggle to reach recommended blood pressure targets after a stroke," study co-lead author Dr. Jordana Cohen, an associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania, said in a news release.
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"When spironolactone was added to post-stroke care, we saw a meaningful drop in blood pressure that may lower the risk of future strokes and heart attacks," she added.
Dr. Alfred Joshua, a California-based board-certified emergency physician and former chief medical officer who was not involved in the research, said the findings are encouraging, but do not yet show that the medication prevents a subsequent stroke.
"We already know that controlling blood pressure lowers the risk of another stroke," Joshua told Fox News Digital. "This study measured blood pressure, so whether adding spironolactone leads to fewer repeat strokes is still an open question."
Spironolactone works by helping the body get rid of extra salt and water, which can lower blood pressure, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It also causes the body to hold onto potassium, so patients taking it need to have their levels checked, the drug’s prescribing information states.
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Joshua warned that high potassium is one of the main safety concerns because it can develop without symptoms. The risk can be higher for people with kidney problems and those taking certain medications or potassium supplements.
The medication can also lower blood pressure enough to cause dizziness, he added.
"If your blood pressure is still high after a stroke, bring your home readings to your clinician and ask whether this medication is a good fit," Joshua advised.
The trial ended early with 160 participants instead of the planned 200, and about 15% did not have blood pressure readings available at the three-month mark, the researchers noted.
People taking spironolactone were also taking slightly more blood pressure medications overall than those receiving usual care.
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The study was not designed to determine whether spironolactone actually prevents another stroke or heart attack. Larger and longer studies are needed to answer that question, according to the researchers.
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.
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