Factors affecting changes in blood pressure after acute stroke

Abstract

Background and PurposeWe sought to establish the pattern of blood pressure (BP) change after hospitalization for acute hemispheric stroke. Methods. In 292 patients from the Leicester teaching hospitals with acute hemispheric stroke within the previous 24 hours (139 men; median age, 75 years [range, 42 to 98 years]), we prospectively studied BP changes between admission, 24 hours, 1 week, and 4 to 6 weeks. Changes were assessed in relation to the main stroke risk factors, stroke type and severity, and antyhypertensive drug treatment. All subjects were followed up for 1 week, with 117 subjects followed up for 4 to 6 weeks. Changes were assessed by repeated-measures ANOVA, and Student’s f tests were used to compare group pairs. ResultsSystolic and diastolic BP fell by 12 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], 8 to 15 mm Hg) and 7 mm Hg (95% CI, 5 to 9 mm Hg), respectively, in the first 24 hours and 22 mm Hg (95% CI, 18 to 25 mm Hg) and 12 mm Hg (95% CI, 10 to 14 mm Hg), respectively, during the first week (all changes significant at P