Prevalence of inadequate blood pressure control among veterans after acute ischemic stroke hospitalization: a retrospective cohort

Blood pressure trajectory of inpatient stroke rehabilitation patients from the Determining Optimal Post-Stroke Exercise (DOSE) trial over the first 12 months post-stroke

Background

High blood pressure (BP) is the primary risk factor for recurrent strokes. Despite established clinical guidelines, some stroke survivors exhibit uncontrolled BP over the first 12 months post-stroke. Furthermore, research on BP trajectories in stroke survivors admitted to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals is limited. Exercise is recommended to reduce BP after stroke. However, the effect of high repetition gait training at aerobic intensities (>40% heart rate reserve; HRR) during inpatient rehabilitation on BP is unclear. We aimed to determine the effect of an aerobic gait training intervention on BP trajectory over the first 12 months post-stroke.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the Determining Optimal Post-Stroke Exercise (DOSE) trial. Participants with stroke admitted to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals were recruited and randomized to usual care (n = 24), DOSE1 (n = 25; >2,000 steps, 40-60% HRR for >30 min/session, 20 sessions over 4 weeks), or DOSE2 (n = 25; additional DOSE1 session/day) groups. Resting BP [systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)] was measured at baseline (inpatient rehabilitation admission), post-intervention (near inpatient discharge), 6- and 12-month post-stroke. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the effects of group and time (weeks post-stroke) on SBP, DBP and hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg; ≥130/80 mmHg, if diabetic), controlling for age, stroke type, and baseline history of hypertension.

Results

No effect of intervention group on SBP, DBP, or hypertension was observed. BP increased from baseline to 12-month post-stroke for SBP (from [mean ± standard deviation] 121.8 ± 15.0 to 131.8 ± 17.8 mmHg) and for DBP (74.4 ± 9.8 to 78.5 ± 10.1 mmHg). The proportion of hypertensive participants increased from 20.8% (n = 15/72) to 32.8% (n = 19/58). These increases in BP were statistically significant: an effect [estimation (95%CI), value of p] of time was observed on SBP [0.19 (0.12-0.26) mmHg/week, p < 0.001], DBP [0.09 (0.05-0.14) mmHg/week, p < 0.001], and hypertension [OR (95%CI): 1.03 (1.01-1.05), p = 0.010]. A baseline history of hypertension was associated with higher SBP by 13.45 (8.73-18.17) mmHg, higher DBP by 5.57 (2.02-9.12) mmHg, and 42.22 (6.60-270.08) times the odds of being hypertensive at each timepoint, compared to those without.

Conclusion

Blood pressure increased after inpatient rehabilitation over the first 12 months post-stroke, especially among those with a history of hypertension. The 4-week aerobic gait training intervention did not influence this trajectory.

Blood Pressure Trajectories and Outcomes for Veterans Presenting at VA Medical Centers with a Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure control has been shown to reduce risk of vascular events and mortality after an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Yet, questions remain about effectiveness, timing, and targeted blood pressure reduction.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a retrospective cohort of 18,837 veterans cared for 12 months prior and up to 12 months after an emergency department visit or inpatient admission for stroke or TIA. Latent class growth analysis was used to classify patients into systolic blood pressure trajectories. With Cox proportional hazard models, we examined relationships between blood pressure trajectories, intensification of antihypertensive medication, and stroke (fatal or non-fatal) and all-cause mortality in 12 months following the index event.

RESULTS

The cohort was classified into 4 systolic blood pressure trajectories: 19% with a low systolic blood pressure trajectory (mean systolic blood pressure = 116 mm Hg); 65% with a medium systolic blood pressure trajectory (mean systolic blood pressure = 136 mm Hg); 15% with a high systolic blood pressure trajectory (mean systolic blood pressure = 158 mm Hg), and 1% with a very high trajectory (mean systolic blood pressure = 183 mm Hg). After the stroke or TIA, individuals in the high and very high systolic blood pressure trajectories experienced a substantial decrease in systolic blood pressure that coincided with intensification of antihypertensive medication. Patients with very low and very high systolic blood pressure trajectories had a significantly greater (P < .05) hazard of mortality, while medication intensification was related significantly (P < .05) to lower hazard of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings point to the importance of monitoring blood pressure over multiple time points and of instituting enhanced hypertension management after stroke or TIA, particularly for individuals with high or very high blood pressure trajectories.

Cardiovascular Events After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Cardiovascular events after primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have emerged as a leading cause of poor functional outcomes and mortality during the long-term recovery after an ICH. These events encompass arterial ischemic events such as ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction, arterial hemorrhagic events that include recurrent ICH, and venous thrombotic events such as venous thromboembolism. The purpose of this review is to summarize the cardiovascular complications after ICH, epidemiology and associated risk factors, and their impact on ICH outcomes. Additionally, we will highlight possible pathophysiological mechanisms to explain the short- and long-term increased risks of ischemic and hemorrhagic events after ICH. Finally, we will highlight potential secondary stroke and venous thrombotic prevention strategies often not considered after ICH, balanced against the risk of ICH recurrence.

Treatment Intensification for Elevated Blood Pressure and Risk of Recurrent Stroke

Background

It remains unclear whether physicians' attitudes toward timely management of elevated blood pressure affect the risk of stroke recurrence.

Methods and Results

From a multicenter stroke registry database, we identified 2933 patients with acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to participating centers in 2011, survived at the 1‐year follow‐up period, and returned to outpatient clinics ≥2 times after discharge. As a surrogate measure of physicians' attitude, individual treatment intensification (TI) scores were calculated by dividing the difference between the frequencies of observed and expected medication changes by the frequency of clinic visits and categorizing them into 5 groups. The association between TI groups and the recurrence of stroke within 1 year was analyzed using hierarchical frailty models, with adjustment for clustering within each hospital and relevant covariates. Mean±SD of the TI score was −0.13±0.28. The TI score groups were significantly associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke compared with Group 3 (TI score range, −0.25 to 0); Group 1 (range, −1 to −0.5), adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 13.43 (95% CI, 5.95–30.35); Group 2 (range, −0.5 to −0.25), adjusted HR 4.59 (95% CI, 2.01–10.46); and Group 4 (TI score 0), adjusted HR 6.60 (95% CI, 3.02–14.45); but not with Group 5 (range, 0–1), adjusted HR 1.68 (95% CI, 0.62–4.56). This elevated risk in the lowest TI score groups persisted when confining analysis to those with hypertension, history of blood pressure‐lowering medication, no atrial fibrillation, and regular clinic visits and stratifying the subjects by functional capacity at discharge.

Conclusions

A low TI score, which implies physicians' therapeutic inertia in blood pressure management, was associated with a higher risk of recurrent stroke. The TI score may be a useful performance indicator in the outpatient clinic setting to prevent recurrent stroke.

Veteran stroke survivors' lived experiences after being discharged home: a phenomenological study

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults and second cause of death in the United States. Survivors face challenges postdischarge, including risks in self-management (SM) following prescribed regimens. Although SM education can help develop skills to control risk factors for stroke recurrence, little is known about lived experiences of patients adopting SM.

AIMS

To examine Veterans' lived poststroke experiences after discharge and their experiences in SM goal setting/attainment.

METHODS

Patients within one year of discharge from a Veterans Administration Medical Center in the United States with two risk factors for stroke recurrence were enrolled and received an SM workbook. Eight patients were interviewed (six males, two females; mean age 62: range 45-80). Part I concerned lived experience. Part II described experiences with goal setting and attainment. Data were analyzed inductively, identifying common experiences. Deductive analysis described goal setting and attainment. Transcript reviews identified SM themes and strategies.

RESULTS

Lived experiences included 1) uncertainty about life, 2) anger and frustration, and 3) healthcare system challenges. Coping skills and setting goals to manage risks were critical for physical and emotional functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

SM coping and goal setting aided recovery and improved life quality among Veterans after stroke. SM interventions assisted in regaining physical and emotional function. Findings may help in design of interventions for survivors, using SM and goal setting and attainment.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSeveral implications for clinical practice were identified:Providers should acknowledge Veterans' challenges and struggles after their stroke and help Veterans to re-establish social identity, enhance self-esteem and improve mood.More emphasis should be given to the Veterans' caregivers' availability and willingness to help with their loved one's recovery, work reinstatement status and financial struggles.Recognition of the importance of the social context of recovery after a stroke is important, as nonmedical social interaction is often overlooked.Improvements are needed in the area of providers working with social workers and physical, occupational and mental health therapists to arrange more inpatient and outpatient treatments, including more frequent home visits.Veterans should be strongly encouraged to attend self-management diabetes education classes and smoking cessation and weight-loss programs offered for free within the Veterans Health Administration system.Self-management strategies using goal-setting and attainment concepts may assist individuals with stroke to regain physical and emotional functions, subsequently preventing another stroke.

Association of Blood Pressure and Cognition after Stroke

BACKGROUND AND AIM

It is unclear whether blood pressure (BP) is associated with cognition after stroke. We examined associations between systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP), pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and cognition, each measured 90 days after stroke.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of prospectively obtained data of 432 dementia-free subjects greater than or equal to 45 (median age, 66; 45% female) with stroke (92% ischemic; median NIH stroke score, 3 [IQR, 2-6]) from the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project in 2011-2013.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

Modified Mini-Mental Status Examination (3MSE; range, 0-100).

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Animal Fluency Test (AFT; range, 0-10) and Trail Making Tests A and B (number of correct items [range, 0-25]/completion time [Trails A: 0-180 seconds; Trails B: 0-300 second]). Linear or tobit regression adjusted associations for age, education, and race/ethnicity as well as variables significantly associated with BP and cognition.

RESULTS

Higher SBP, lower DBP, higher PP, and lower MAP each were associated with worse cognitive performance for all 4 tests (all P < .001). After adjusting for patient factors, no BP measures were associated with any of the 4 tests (all P > .05). Lower cognitive performance was associated with older age, less education, Mexican American ethnicity, diabetes, higher stroke severity, more depressive symptoms, and lower BMI. Among survivors with hypertension, anti-hypertensive medication use 90 days after stroke was significantly associated with higher AFT scores (P = .02) but not other tests (P > .15).

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke survivors' BP levels were not associated with cognitive performance at 90 days independent of sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Risk of Arterial Ischemic Events After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose- The risk of arterial ischemic events after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is poorly understood given the lack of a control group in prior studies. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of acute ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) among patients with and without ICH. Methods- We performed a retrospective cohort study using claims data from Medicare beneficiaries from 2008 to 2014. Our exposure was acute ICH, identified using validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. Our primary outcome was a composite of acute ischemic stroke and MI, whereas secondary outcomes were ischemic stroke alone and MI alone. We used Cox regression analysis to compute hazard ratios during 1-month intervals after ICH. Sensitivity analyses entailed exclusion of patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease. Results- Among 1 760 439 Medicare beneficiaries, 5924 had ICH. The 1-year cumulative incidence of an arterial ischemic event was 5.7% (95% CI, 4.8-6.8) in patients with ICH and 1.8% (95% CI, 1.7-1.9) in patients without ICH. After adjusting for potential confounders, the risk of an arterial ischemic event remained significantly increased for the first 6 months after ICH and was especially high in the first month (hazard ratio, 6.7 [95% CI, 5.0-8.6]). In secondary analysis, the risk of ischemic stroke was increased in the first 6 months after ICH (hazard ratio, 6.1 [95% CI, 3.5-9.3]) but the risk of MI was not (hazard ratio, 1.6 [95% CI, 0.3-2.9]). In sensitivity analyses excluding patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease, the association between ICH and arterial ischemic events was similar to that of the primary analysis. Conclusions- In a large population-based cohort, we found that elderly patients with ICH had a substantially increased risk of ischemic stroke in the first 6 months after diagnosis. Further exploration of this risk is needed to determine optimal secondary prevention strategies for these patients.

Post-stroke hypertension control and receipt of health care services among veterans

Many ischemic stroke patients do not achieve goal blood pressure (BP < 140/90 mm Hg). To identify barriers to post-stroke hypertension management, we examined healthcare utilization and BP control in the year after index ischemic stroke admission. This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted for acute ischemic stroke to a VA hospital in fiscal year 2011 and who were discharged with a BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg. One-year post-discharge, BP trajectories, utilization of primary care, specialty and ancillary services were studied. Among 265 patients, 246 (92.8%) were seen by primary care (PC) during the 1-year post-discharge; a median time to the first PC visit was 32 days (interquartile range: 53). Among N = 245 patients with post-discharge BP data, 103 (42.0%) achieved a mean BP < 140/90 mm Hg in the year post-discharge. Provider follow-ups were: neurology (51.7%), cardiology (14.0%), nephrology (7.2%), endocrinology (3.8%), and geriatrics (2.6%) and ancillary services (BP monitor [30.6%], pharmacy [20.0%], nutrition [8.3%], and telehealth [8%]). Non-adherence to medications was documented in 21.9% of patients and was observed more commonly among patients with uncontrolled compared with controlled BP (28.7% vs 15.5%; P = .02). The recurrent stroke rate did not differ among patients with uncontrolled (4.2%) compared with controlled BP (3.8%; P = .89). Few patients achieved goal BP in the year post-stroke. Visits to primary care were not timely. Underuse of specialty as well as ancillary services and provider perception of medication non-adherence were common. Future intervention studies seeking to improve post-stroke hypertension management should address these observed gaps in care.

Comparison of Risk Factor Control in the Year After Discharge for Ischemic Stroke Versus Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background and Purpose—

The Veterans Health Administration has engaged in quality improvement to improve vascular risk factor control. We sought to examine blood pressure (<140/90 mm Hg), lipid (LDL [low-density lipoprotein] cholesterol <100 mg/dL), and glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c <9%), in the year post-hospitalization for acute ischemic stroke or acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods—

We identified patients who were hospitalized (fiscal year 2011) with ischemic stroke, AMI, congestive heart failure, transient ischemic attack, or pneumonia/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The primary analysis compared risk factor control after incident ischemic stroke versus AMI. Facilities were included if they cared for ≥25 ischemic stroke and ≥25 AMI patients. A generalized linear mixed model including patient- and facility-level covariates compared risk factor control across diagnoses.

Results—

Forty thousand two hundred thirty patients were hospitalized (n=75 facilities): 2127 with incident ischemic stroke and 4169 with incident AMI. Fewer stroke patients achieved blood pressure control than AMI patients (64%; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.67 versus 77%; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.78; P <0.0001). After adjusting for patient and facility covariates, the odds of blood pressure control were still higher for AMI than ischemic stroke patients (odds ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.21–1.51). There were no statistical differences for AMI versus stroke patients in hyperlipidemia ( P =0.534). Among patients with diabetes mellitus, the odds of glycemic control were lower for AMI than ischemic stroke patients (odds ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.54–0.96).

Conclusions—

Given that hypertension control is a cornerstone of stroke prevention, interventions to improve poststroke hypertension management are needed.

Blood Pressure Control among Hypertensive Stroke Survivors in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is the dominant risk factor for first-ever and recurrent stroke. The objective of the present study was to assess control of blood pressure (BP) among hypertensive stroke survivors seen at 2 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, stroke survivors with hypertension as a risk factor were consecutively recruited in the outpatient clinics of the participating hospitals. After the necessary demographic and clinical information had been obtained, participants had their BP assessed in a standardized manner. A BP of <140/< 90 mmHg was defined as good control. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of good BP control.

RESULTS

There were 284 subjects with a mean age of 59.0 ± 13.1 years. The overall mean systolic blood pressure was 142.7 ± 22.5 mmHg (male 144.9 ± 22.7, female 138.4 ± 21.6; P > .05) while the overall mean diastolic blood pressure was 85.6 ± 14.5 mmHg (male 85.8 ± 14.6, female 85.2 ± 14.4; P > .05). In spite of the fact that 270 (95.1%) of the subjects were on antihypertensives, only 39.8% (male 37.0%, female 44.1%; P > .05) had good BP control. In univariate analysis, having at least 12 years of formal education (OR 1.672, 95% CI 1.035-2.699; P < .05) and good compliance to antihypertensive medications (OR 9.732, 95% CI 3.391-27.930; P < .001) were the only variables associated with good BP control.

CONCLUSIONS

Control of BP is poor among Nigerian hypertensive stroke survivors and is associated with the level of formal education and drug compliance. Urgent measures are needed to improve on this poor BP control as these may potentially reduce stroke recurrence rate.

Description of a novel telemedicine-enabled comprehensive system of care: drip and ship plus drip and keep within a system of stroke care delivery

United States (US) and worldwide telestroke programs frequently focus only on emergency room hyper-acute stroke management. This article describes a comprehensive, telemedicine-enabled, stroke care delivery system that combines “drip and ship” and “drip and keep” models with a comprehensive stroke center primary hub at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, advanced stroke-capable regional hubs, and geographically-aligned, “stroke-ready” spokes. The primary hub provides vascular neurology expertise via telemedicine and monitors care for patients remaining at regional hubs and spokes using a multidisciplinary team approach. By 2014, primary hub telestroke consults grew to ≈1000/year with 16 min average door to consult initiation and 20 min to completion, and 29% of ischemic stroke patients received recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA), increasing 275%. Most patients remained in hospitals close to home, but neurointensive care and interventional procedures were common reasons for primary hub transfer. Given the time sensitivity and expert consultation needed for complex acute stroke care delivery paradigms, telestroke programs are effective for fulfilling unmet care needs. Combining drip and ship and drip and keep management allows more patients to stay “local,” limiting primary hub transfer unless more advanced services are required. Post admission telestroke management at spokes increases personnel efficiency and can positively impact stroke outcomes.

Apparent Treatment-resistant Hypertension Among Individuals with History of Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure control is a paramount goal in secondary stroke prevention; however, high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure and use of multiple antihypertensive medication classes in stroke patients suggest this goal is not being met. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension in persons with/without stroke or transient ischemic attack.

METHODS

Data came from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a national, population-based cohort of 30,239 black and white adults aged ≥45 years, enrolled 2003-2007, restricted to 11,719 participants with treated hypertension. Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension was defined as (1) uncontrolled blood pressure (systolic ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic ≥90 mm Hg) with ≥3 antihypertensive medication classes, or (2) use of ≥4 antihypertensive medication classes, regardless of blood pressure level. Poisson regression was used to calculate characteristics associated with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension.

RESULTS

Among hypertensive participants, prevalence of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension was 24.9% (422 of 1694) and 17.0% (1708 of 10,025) in individuals with and without history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, respectively. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, the prevalence ratio for apparent treatment-resistant hypertension for those with versus without stroke or transient ischemic attack was 1.14 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.27). Among hypertensive participants with stroke or transient attack, male sex, black race, larger waist circumference, longer duration of hypertension, and reduced kidney function were associated with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension among hypertensive persons with history of stroke or transient ischemic attack suggests the need for more individualized blood pressure monitoring and management.

Hypertension treatment intensification among stroke survivors with uncontrolled blood pressure

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We examined blood pressure 1 year after stroke discharge and its association with treatment intensification.

METHODS

We examined the systolic blood pressure (SBP) stratified by discharge SBP (≤140, 141-160, or >160 mm Hg) among a national cohort of Veterans discharged after acute ischemic stroke. Hypertension treatment opportunities were defined as outpatient SBP >160 mm Hg or repeated SBPs >140 mm Hg. Treatment intensification was defined as the proportion of treatment opportunities with antihypertensive changes (range, 0%-100%, where 100% indicates that each elevated SBP always resulted in medication change).

RESULTS

Among 3153 patients with ischemic stroke, 38% had ≥1 elevated outpatient SBP eligible for treatment intensification in the 1 year after stroke. Thirty percent of patients had a discharge SBP ≤140 mm Hg, and an average 1.93 treatment opportunities and treatment intensification occurred in 58% of eligible visits. Forty-seven percent of patients discharged with SBP 141 to160 mm Hg had an average of 2.1 opportunities for intensification and treatment intensification occurred in 60% of visits. Sixty-three percent of the patients discharged with an SBP >160 mm Hg had an average of 2.4 intensification opportunities, and treatment intensification occurred in 65% of visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with discharge SBP >160 mm Hg had numerous opportunities to improve hypertension control. Secondary stroke prevention efforts should focus on initiation and review of antihypertensives before acute stroke discharge; management of antihypertensives and titration; and patient medication adherence counseling.

Case management reduces global vascular risk after stroke: secondary results from the The preventing recurrent vascular events and neurological worsening through intensive organized case-management randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Survivors of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) are at high risk for other vascular events. We evaluated the impact of 2 types of case management (hard touch with pharmacist or soft touch with nurse) added to usual care on global vascular risk.

METHODS

This is a prespecified secondary analysis of a 6-month trial conducted in outpatients with recent stroke/TIA who received usual care and were randomized to additional monthly visits with either nurse case managers (who counseled patients, monitored risk factors, and communicated results to primary care physicians) or pharmacist case managers (who were also able to independently prescribe according to treatment algorithms). The Framingham Risk Score [FRS]) and the Cardiovascular Disease Life Expectancy Model (CDLEM) were used to estimate 10-year risk of any vascular event at baseline, 6 months (trial conclusion), and 12 months (6 months after last trial visit).

RESULTS

Mean age of the 275 evaluable patients was 67.6 years. Both study arms were well balanced at baseline and exhibited reductions in absolute global vascular risk estimates at 6 months: median 4.8% (Interquartile range (IQR) 0.3%-11.3%) for the pharmacist arm versus 5.1% (IQR 1.9%-12.5%) for the nurse arm on the FRS (P = .44 between arms) and median 10.0% (0.1%-31.6%) versus 12.5% (2.1%-30.5%) on the CDLEM (P = .37). These reductions persisted at 12 months: median 6.4% (1.2%-11.6%) versus 5.5% (2.0%-12.0%) for the FRS (P = .83) and median 8.4% (0.1%-28.3%) versus 13.1% (1.6%-31.6%) on the CDLEM (P = .20).

CONCLUSIONS

Case management by nonphysician providers is associated with improved global vascular risk in patients with recent stroke/TIA. Reductions achieved during the active phase of the trial persisted after trial conclusion.

Antihypertensive medication persistence 1-year post-stroke hospitalization

To optimize the translation of clinical trial evidence that antihypertensive treatment reduces recurrent stroke risk into clinical practice, it is important to assess the frequency of long-term antihypertensive drug persistence after stroke and identify the factors associated with low persistence. Structured telephone interviews to determine antihypertensive regimen persistence 1-year post-stroke hospitalization were conducted in 270 stroke survivors, of which 212 (78.5%) were discharged on antihypertensive therapy (two thirds on >1 drug class). Continued use of any antihypertensive agent at 1 year of follow-up was relatively high (87.3%); however, persistence on all or two or more drug classes prescribed at discharge was relatively low (38.7%). Continued use varied by drug class, with the highest rates among angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (69.1%) and the lowest rates among diuretic (24.4%) users. Black patients (adjusted odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.78) and those with a high comorbidity burden (adjusted odds ratio , 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.86) were less likely to exhibit persistence on prescribed treatments 1-year post-stroke hospitalization. These results indicate the need for further study to identify appropriate persistence of antihypertensive therapies for secondary stroke prevention and to investigate reasons for racial disparities in persistence on prescribed treatments in a real-world clinical setting.

Achieved blood pressures in the secondary prevention of small subcortical strokes (SPS3) study: challenges and lessons learned

BACKGROUND

Lowering blood pressure (BP) after stroke remains a challenge, even in the context of clinical trials. The Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes (SPS3) BP protocol, BP management during the study, and achieved BPs are described here.

METHODS

Patients with recent symptomatic lacunar stroke were randomized to 1 of 2 levels of systolic BP (SBP) targets: lower: <130mm Hg, or higher: 130-149mm Hg. SBP management over the course of the trial was examined by race/ethnicity and other baseline conditions.

RESULTS

Mean SBP decreased for both groups from baseline to the last follow-up, from 142.4 to 126.7mm Hg for the lower SBP target group and from 143.6 to 137.4mm Hg for the higher SBP target group. At baseline, participants in both groups used an average of 1.7±1.2 antihypertensive medications, which increased to a mean of 2.4±1.4 (lower group) and 1.8±1.4 (higher group) by the end-study visit. It took an average of 6 months for patients to reach their SBP target, sustained to the last follow-up. Black participants had the highest proportion of SBP ≥150mm Hg at both study entry (40%) and end-study visit (17%), as compared with whites (9%) and Hispanics (11%).

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that it is possible to safely lower BP even to a SBP goal <130mm Hg in a variety of patients and settings, including private and academic centers in multiple countries. This provides further support for protocol-driven care in lowering BP and consequently reducing the burden of stroke.

Case management for blood pressure and lipid level control after minor stroke: PREVENTION randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Optimization of systolic blood pressure and lipid levels are essential for secondary prevention after ischemic stroke, but there are substantial gaps in care, which could be addressed by nurse- or pharmacist-led care. We compared 2 types of case management (active prescribing by pharmacists or nurse-led screening and feedback to primary care physicians) in addition to usual care.

METHODS

We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial involving adults with recent minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack whose systolic blood pressure or lipid levels were above guideline targets. Participants in both groups had a monthly visit for 6 months with either a nurse or pharmacist. Nurses measured cardiovascular risk factors, counselled patients and faxed results to primary care physicians (active control). Pharmacists did all of the above as well as prescribed according to treatment algorithms (intervention).

RESULTS

Most of the 279 study participants (mean age 67.6 yr, mean systolic blood pressure 134 mm Hg, mean low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol 3.23 mmol/L) were already receiving treatment at baseline (antihypertensives: 78.1%; statins: 84.6%), but none met guideline targets (systolic blood pressure ≤ 140 mm Hg, fasting LDL cholesterol ≤ 2.0 mmol/L). Substantial improvements were observed in both groups after 6 months: 43.4% of participants in the pharmacist case manager group met both systolic blood pressure and LDL guideline targets compared with 30.9% in the nurse-led group (12.5% absolute difference; number needed to treat = 8, p = 0.03).

INTERPRETATION

Compared with nurse-led case management (risk factor evaluation, counselling and feedback to primary care providers), active case management by pharmacists substantially improved risk factor control at 6 months among patients who had experienced a stroke.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT00931788.

Blood pressure control among stroke patients in Thailand--the i-STROKE study

BACKGROUND

Direct correlation between stroke mortality and hypertension calls for a tight blood pressure (BP) control. Our study determined the prevalence of the BP control and evaluated current clinical practices on hypertension management in stroke patients in Thailand.

METHODS

This multicenter, cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study was carried out between February 2010 and January 2011 and enrolled stroke patients aged 45 years or older with ictus incidence 12,030 days before the enrollment. The events were confirmed by either computerized tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Patient data including demographics, medical, and clinical history were collected.

RESULTS

At enrollment, 274 of 558 (49.1%) patients had controlled arterial BP with an average pressure of 134.220.4/78.812.8 mm Hg; 412 (73.8%) patients received antihypertensive medications and the most common use was angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), reported in 200 (35.8%) patients. With questionnaire, insufficient antihypertensive use and lack of patients' awareness were the 2 most common reasons given by physicians for the patients' uncontrolled BP. Factors identified to have adverse association with the controlled BP at enrollment were diabetes at baseline, stage II hypertension, stage I hypertension, and the use of ACEIs at discharge (odds ratio of .18, .24, .30 [P < .001], and .53 [P = .009], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite clinical evidence of the benefits of the BP control in reduction of secondary stroke events, a substantial number of stroke patients in Thailand do not achieve their BP targets, and this could possibly be a result of inadequate use of antihypertensive therapies and lack of compliance to BP management guidelines.

Blood pressure after recent stroke: baseline findings from the secondary prevention of small subcortical strokes trial

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is the most powerful risk factor for stroke. The aim of this study was to characterize baseline blood pressure in participants in the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes trial.

METHODS

For this cross-sectional analysis, participants were categorized by baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 120, 120-139, 140-159, 160-179, and ≥ 180 mm Hg and compared on demographic and clinical characteristics. Predictors of SBP < 140 mm Hg were examined.

RESULTS

Mean SBP was 143±19 mm Hg while receiving an average of 1.7 antihypertensive medications; SBP ≥ 140 mm Hg for 53% and ≥ 160 mm Hg for 18% of the 3,020 participants. Higher SBP was associated with a history of hypertension and hypertension for longer duration (both P < 0.0001). Higher SBPs were associated with more extensive white matter disease on magnetic resonance imaging (P < 0.0001). There were significant differences in entry-level SBP when participants were categorized by race and region (both P < 0.0001). Black participants were more likely to have SBP ≥ 140 mm Hg. Multivariable logistic regression showed an independent effect for region with those from Canada more likely (odds ratio = 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.29, 2.32) to have SBP < 140 mm Hg compared with participants from United States.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort with symptomatic lacunar stroke, more than half had uncontrolled hypertension at approximately 2.5 months after stroke. Regional, racial, and clinical differences should be considered to improve control and prevent recurrent stroke.