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Blood Pressure in Acute Stroke and Secondary Stroke Prevention

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports volume 22, pages 143–150 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Hypertension is common in patients presenting with stroke and is independently associated with unfavorable outcomes. This article reviews current guidelines for early management of blood pressure (BP) and highlights the findings of recent investigative works.

Recent Findings

Intensive blood pressure reduction after receiving alteplase has not been shown to improve outcomes. Patients with large vessel occlusions may benefit from lower blood pressure targets post-intervention. Retrospective analyses of large intracerebral hemorrhage trials suggest that specific subgroups of patients may disproportionately benefit from or be harmed by intensive BP reduction. Robust data for management of blood pressure in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients is lacking and expert consensus continues to guide decision-making.

Summary

Despite the impact of hypertension on outcomes, most prospective trials assessing efficacy of blood pressure reduction have yielded neutral or inconclusive results. Further trials are necessary to determine which patient populations are most likely to benefit from blood pressure control.

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  1. Department of Neurology, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, Building 1, Room 101, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA

    Christopher R Green & J Claude Hemphill

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Green, C.R., Hemphill, J.C. Blood Pressure in Acute Stroke and Secondary Stroke Prevention. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 22, 143–150 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-022-01169-8

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Keywords

  • Blood pressure
  • Acute ischemic stroke
  • Tissue plasminogen activator
  • Endovascular therapy
  • Intracerebral hemorrhage
  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage