Related Experiment Videos
Blood pressure in acute stroke
Thompson G Robinson1, John F Potter
1Department of Medicine, Division of Medicine for the Elderly, Leicester Warwick Medical School, Leicester, UK. tgr2@le.ac.uk
Age and Ageing
|December 30, 2003
Summary
Managing high blood pressure after acute stroke is complex. This review examines evidence on whether to treat elevated or low systolic blood pressure in stroke patients, considering current trials.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) (> or =160 mmHg) affects up to 60% of acute stroke patients.
- Managing hypertension in acute stroke is challenging, especially for the 40% on antihypertensive therapy.
- Low SBP (< or =140 mmHg) in approximately 20% of stroke patients may also increase risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for and against manipulating blood pressure in acute stroke.
- To discuss data from observational and intervention trials on acute stroke blood pressure management.
- To consider ongoing clinical trials in this field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
- Analysis of observational data on acute stroke blood pressure.
- Discussion of therapeutic intervention trial results.
Main Results:
- Limited randomized, placebo-controlled trial data exists for acute stroke blood pressure management.
- Theoretical benefits and risks exist for both lowering and not treating elevated SBP.
- Low SBP is less common but associated with adverse outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The optimal management of acute stroke blood pressure remains uncertain due to limited high-quality evidence.
- Further research, including ongoing clinical trials, is needed to guide therapeutic decisions.
- Balancing the risks and benefits of blood pressure manipulation is critical in acute stroke care.