[Hypertension associated with stroke]

Norio Tanahashi1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Saitama International Medical Center, Saitama Medical University.

Antihypertensive treatment for hypertensive patients with stroke differs according to clinical subtypes (hemorrhage or ischemia) and phases (acute phase or chronic phase). In cerebral infarction that is not an indication for thrombolytic therapy, antihypertensive therapy is indicated when systolic pressure is > 220 mmHg or diastolic pressure is > 120 mmHg. In cerebral hemorrhage, a systolic blood pressure > 180 mmHg or a mean blood pressure > 130 mmHg is an indication for antihypertensive therapy. In the chronic phase of stroke, the eventual target of blood pressure control should be < 140/90 mmHg. Antihypertensive drugs recommened in the chronic phase are Ca channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, etc. In patients with diabetes mellitus or atrial fibrillation, ACE inhibitors and ARBs are recommended.

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