Acute hypertensive response management in patients with acute stroke

Acute elevation in blood pressure (acute hypertensive response) is commonly observed in the early period of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. The management of acute hypertensive response depends upon the underlying intracranial pathology. Management of acute hypertensive response has been the focus of many trials and studies such as the SCAST trial, CHHIPS trial, COSSACS trial, INTERACT, and ATACH trial, which are discussed here. However, there were many limitations to these trials including time of presentation, different pathophysiology of ischemic strokes versus hemorrhagic strokes, and patient related factors. Ongoing clinical trials which take these limitations into account include ENCHANTED trial, ATACH II trial, INTERACT 2 trial, and ENOS trial. The results of these trials are expected to modify current guidelines of acute stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, and potentially improve clinical outcomes and quality of life.