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Acute Blood Pressure Management in Acute Ischemic Stroke and Spontaneous Cerebral Hemorrhage

  • Cerebrovascular Disorders (DG Jamieson, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Neurology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

We discuss the evidence and guidelines for acute blood pressure (BP) management for patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke or spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage.

Recent findings

Observational data suggest that the extremes of BP should be avoided in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. There is no convincing evidence that active BP reduction results in improved outcomes for ischemic stroke patients. Current guidelines recommend that BP be maintained ≤ 185/110 mmHg in patients who are candidates for intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) or mechanical thrombectomy and that BP be maintained ≤ 180/105 mmHg for at least 24 h in patients who have received IV tPA or have undergone mechanical thrombectomy. Acute BP goals for spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage remain unclear despite a number of randomized controlled trials.

Summary

Acute BP goals for patients with acute ischemic stroke largely depend on candidacy for, and receipt of, IV tPA and mechanical thrombectomy. As thrombectomy is now the standard of care for many patients with large vessel occlusion, we will see a heightened interest in pre- and post-thrombectomy BP management. Future trials of spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage may focus on hyperacute BP lowering (e.g., in the prehospital setting).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Michigan Stroke Program, Cardiovascular Center, 3rd Floor, Reception C, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, SPC 5855, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5855, USA

    Mollie McDermott MD, MS & Cemal B. Sozener MD, MEng

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  1. Mollie McDermott MD, MS
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  2. Cemal B. Sozener MD, MEng
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Correspondence to Mollie McDermott MD, MS.

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McDermott, M., Sozener, C.B. Acute Blood Pressure Management in Acute Ischemic Stroke and Spontaneous Cerebral Hemorrhage. Curr Treat Options Neurol 20, 39 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-018-0523-4

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