Aim: We wished to define the most optimal blood pressure ranges in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undergoing intravenous thrombolysis treatment.
Methods: The study comprised 626 patients with AIS who underwent the treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either conservative blood pressure lowering regimen (N.=302, target systolic blood pressure of 151-185 mmHg) or intensive blood pressure lowering regimen (N.=324, target systolic blood pressure of 141-150 mm Hg). The outcomes were occurrence of intracranial hemorrhages and survival after 3 months post-treatment.
Results: Patients who received intensive blood pressure lowering regimen showed significantly lower rates of intracranial hemorrhage and mortality. Also, these patients demonstrated a trend to better overall condition.
Conclusion: Intensive blood pressure lowering regimen warrants a safe and effective intravenous thrombolysis in patients with AIS, and the targeted systolic blood pressure levels should be within 141-150 mmHg.