Scandinavian Candesartan Acute Stroke Trial (SCAST)

The purpose of this trial is to assess whether the blood pressure lowering agent candesartan (an angiotensin receptor type 1 blocker) is effective when given to patients with acute stroke and elevated blood pressure. Hypothesis: AT1 receptor blockade with candesartan in acute stroke will: 1. reduce the risk of death or major disability at 6 months by a 6% absolute risk reduction, relative to placebo. 2. reduce the risk of the combined event of "vascular" death, myocardial infarction, or stroke during the first 6 months by a 25% relative risk reduction, relative to placebo