Analysis of secondary end points indicated significantly better functional recovery on an ordinal analysis of scores on the modified Rankin scale (OR better physical and mental health related quality of life on the EQ-5D scale (mean health utility scores, intensive group intensive treatment. Although INTERACT2 demonstrated consistency of the treatment effect across several prespecified patient subgroups, there was no clear relationship between outcome and the time from onset of ICH to commencing treatment and no signifi- cant effect of intensive BP-lowering treatment on hematoma growth. Moreover, only one third of patients achieved the target SBP level within 1 hour (half achieved the target by 6 hours), and most (75%) presented with mild to moderate size (<20 mL) hematomas. Overall, current evidence indicates that early intensive BP lowering is safe and feasible and that surviving patients show modestly better functional recovery, with a favorable trend seen toward a reduction in the conventional clinical end point of death and major disability. It is therefore reasonable for ICH patients similar to those enrolled in INTERACT2 to receive early treatment targeted to an SBP level <140 mmHg to improve their chances of achieving better functional recovery should they survive the condition. There are fewer data avail- able pertaining to the safety and effectiveness of such treatment in patients with very high BP (sustained SBP >220 mmHg) on presentation, large and more severe ICH, and those requiring surgical decompression. Because the speed and degree of BP reduction will vary according to the agent and method of deliv- ery (bolus versus infusion) and clinical features, the choice of agent should take into account the practicability, pharmaco- logical profile, potential side effects, and cost. 