How Does Preexisting Hypertension Affect Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage?

Background and Purpose: Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) frequently present with hypertension, but it is unclear if this is due to pre-existing hypertension (prHTN) or to the bleed itself or associated pain. We sought to assess the relationship between prHTN and admission systolic blood pressure (aBP) and bleed severity. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the relationship between prHTN and aBP and NIHSS in patients with ICH at 3 institutions. Results: Of 251 patients, 170 (68%) had prHTN based on history of hypertension/antihypertensive use.
Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research