Study Evaluates "Normal Range" Systolic Blood Pressure Levels After Ischemic Stroke and Risk of Recurrent Stroke

Study Evaluates "Normal Range" Systolic Blood Pressure Levels After Ischemic Stroke and Risk of Recurrent Stroke
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
By: Daily Science

Daily Science

Among patients who experienced an ischemic stroke, systolic blood pressure levels of less than 120 mm Hg, or higher than 140 mm Hg, were associated with an increased risk of subsequent stroke, according to a study appearing in the Nov. 16 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on cardiovascular disease. This issue is being released early online to coincide with the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.

"Recurrent stroke prevention guidelines suggest that larger reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) are positively associated with a greater reduction in the risk of recurrent stroke and define an SBP level of less than 120 mm Hg as normal. However, the association of SBP maintained at such levels with risk of vascular events after a recent ischemic stroke is unclear," according to background information in the article.