Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
09:00
Real-Time Monitoring and Modulation of Blood Pressure in a Rabbit Model of Ischemic Stroke
Published on: February 10, 2023
Does achieving an intensive versus usual blood pressure level prevent stroke?
Meng Lee1, Jeffrey L Saver, Keun-Sik Hong
1Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chiayi, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Chiayi, Taiwan.
Annals of Neurology
|July 29, 2011
Summary
Achieving lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) control (<130 mmHg) reduces stroke risk, particularly for individuals with risk factors but no established cardiovascular disease. Tight SBP control offers additional stroke protection in this specific group.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Trials
- Public Health
Background:
- Hypertension management is crucial for cardiovascular health.
- Systolic blood pressure (SBP) control is a key target in preventing cerebrovascular events.
- The optimal SBP threshold for stroke prevention remains an area of active research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing tight versus usual SBP control for stroke prevention.
- To determine the impact of intensive SBP reduction on stroke risk and major vascular events.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and review article bibliographies.
- Meta-analysis of RCTs using relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
- Comparison of achieved SBP <130 mmHg (intensive) versus 130-139 mmHg (usual).
Main Results:
- Eleven RCTs involving 42,572 participants and 794 stroke events were analyzed.
- Intensive SBP control (mean 126.5 mmHg) significantly reduced stroke risk (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70-0.92) and major vascular events (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86-0.96).
- Subgroup analysis revealed significant stroke risk reduction with tight control in individuals with risk factors but no established cardiovascular disease (RR 0.49), but not in those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (RR 0.92).
Conclusions:
- Achieving SBP <130 mmHg provides additional stroke protection compared to SBP 130-139 mmHg.
- This benefit is primarily observed in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors but without established cardiovascular disease.
- Patients with established cardiovascular disease did not show a significant reduction in stroke risk with intensive SBP control in this meta-analysis.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Stroke: Introduction and Types
A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
01:28Hypertension I: Introduction
Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
01:28Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
01:28Factors affecting Blood pressure
Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Physiological Factors: