Case report: Blood pressure variation during cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with multiple sclerosis

Introduction and importance

Multiple sclerosis is known to be associated with both sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiovascular autonomic dysregulation. Thus, patients with multiple sclerosis comorbidity represent a potentially challenging patient population in cardiac surgery, especially in on-pump operations. Despite this, very little is known about the hemodynamics during cardiopulmonary bypass and the optimal perfusion strategy for patients with multiple sclerosis undergoing cardiac operations.

Case presentation

In this report, the authors describe a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, who underwent successful triple valve operation for aortic and mitral stenosis and tricuspid valve insufficiency. Distinct blood pressure variations in form of temporary pressure dips were noted during total cardiopulmonary bypass time as well as during the reperfusion period.

Clinical discussion

Pressure variations were not attributable to surgical, pharmacological or perfusion-related manoeuvres. Thus, they most likely represent symptoms of cardiovascular autonomic dysregulation manifesting during cardiopulmonary bypass. In this patient, blood pressure variations terminated spontaneously and remained within an acceptable range without external correction.

Conclusions

When treating patients with multiple sclerosis comorbidity, the potential pressure variability due to cardiovascular autonomic dysregulation should be taken into consideration to avoid increased blood pressure volatility due to overcorrection or undercorrection during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Cerebral Perfusion Unveiled: A Comprehensive Review of Blood Pressure Management in Neurosurgical and Endovascular Aneurysm Interventions

This comprehensive review delves into the intricate dynamics of cerebral perfusion and blood pressure management within the context of neurosurgical and endovascular aneurysm interventions. The review highlights the critical role of maintaining a delicate hemodynamic balance, given the brain's susceptibility to fluctuations in blood pressure. Emphasizing the regulatory mechanisms of cerebral perfusion, particularly autoregulation, the study advocates for a nuanced and personalized approach to blood pressure control. Key findings underscore the significance of adhering to tailored blood pressure targets to mitigate the risks of ischemic and hemorrhagic complications in both neurosurgical and endovascular procedures. The implications for clinical practice are profound, calling for heightened awareness and precision in hemodynamic management. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, urging exploration into optimal blood pressure targets, advancements in monitoring technologies, investigations into long-term outcomes, and the development of personalized approaches. By consolidating current knowledge and charting a path for future investigations, this review aims to contribute to the continual enhancement of patient outcomes in the dynamic field of neurovascular interventions.

Management of hypertension in patients with cancer: challenges and considerations

The survival rates of many cancers have significantly improved due to recent advancements in cancer screening and therapeutics. Although better cancer outcomes are encouraging, additional health challenges have surfaced, the utmost of which is the burden imposed by various cardiovascular and renal toxicities of anticancer therapies. To improve the overall outcome of patients with cancer, it is essential to understand and manage these treatment-related adverse effects. The cardiovascular side effects of antineoplastic therapies are well-known and include left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure, myocardial ischaemia, QT prolongation, arrhythmia and hypertension. Among these, hypertension is the most common complication, prevalent in about 40% of all cancer patients, yet frequently overlooked and undertreated. This review explores the intricate connection between cancer and hypertension and provides distinct approaches to diagnosing, monitoring and managing hypertension in patients with cancer. We also outline the challenges and considerations that are relevant to the care of patients receiving anticancer drugs with prohypertensive potential.

Closed-Loop Pharmacologic Control of Blood Pressure: A Review of Existing Systems

Blood pressure management is a critical aspect of patient care, particularly in surgical and critical care settings. Closed-loop systems, which utilize real-time data and feedback to adjust treatment interventions, have gained attention for their potential to enhance blood pressure control. This review explores the application of closed-loop systems in blood pressure management. We discuss various closed-loop approaches, including their mechanisms, benefits, and limitations. By harnessing real-time patient data and feedback, closed-loop systems can tailor interventions dynamically, thus enhancing blood pressure regulation. Additionally, we examine the integration of advanced monitoring technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms in closed-loop systems. The review highlights recent studies and their findings, emphasizing the evolving landscape of closed-loop blood pressure management across different clinical scenarios. From the perioperative period to critical care settings, closed-loop systems hold the potential to optimize patient outcomes by precisely adjusting vasopressor administration in response to continuous blood pressure fluctuations. By providing insights into the current state of closed-loop systems for blood pressure control, this review offers a comprehensive overview of their potential contributions to improved patient outcomes and future directions for research and implementation.

Effect of rScO2-Guided Blood Pressure Management on Postoperative Complications in Elderly Patients After Major Noncardiac Surgery: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Postoperative complications are common after major surgical procedures, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) reflects cerebral and global perfusion, and thus it can be used to guide hemodynamic management. We aim to explore the effect of rScO2-guided blood pressure management strategy on postoperative major complications in older adults who undergo major noncardiac surgery.

Methods

This randomized controlled clinical trial includes a total of 400 elderly patients receiving major noncardiac surgery and general anesthesia. Patients will be randomized (1:1) to one of two blood pressure management groups: a standard care group (targeting mean arterial pressure >65 mmHg or within 20% of baseline value), and a rScO2-guided group (absolute value of rScO2 >60% or decrease in rScO2 <10% of baseline). The primary outcome is the composite outcome of major complications (including infectious, respiratory, neurologic, cardiovascular, renal, thromboembolic gastrointestinal, and surgical complications) and deaths within the first 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes include the individual components of the primary outcome by day 7 after surgery and 30-day mortality. Data will be analyzed in the modified intention-to-treat population.

Discussion

This study will provide evidence for improving postoperative outcomes using the rScO2-guided blood pressure management among older adults who undergo major noncardiac surgery.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Identifier: ChiCTR2200060816).

CENtral blood pressure Targeting: a pragmatic RAndomized triaL in advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (CENTRAL-CKD): A Clinical Research Protocol

Background

Emerging data favor central blood pressure (BP) over brachial cuff BP to predict cardiovascular and kidney events, as central BP more closely relates to the true aortic BP. Considering that patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high cardiovascular risk and can have unreliable brachial cuff BP measurements (due to high arterial stiffness), this population could benefit the most from hypertension management using central BP measurements.

Objective

To assess the feasibility and efficacy of targeting central BP as opposed to brachial BP in patients with CKD G4-5.

Design

Pragmatic multicentre double-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial.

Setting

Seven large academic advanced kidney care clinics across Canada.

Patients

A total of 116 adults with CKD G4-5 (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] < 30 mL/min) and brachial cuff systolic BP between 120 and 160 mm Hg. The key exclusion criteria are 1) ≥ 5 BP drugs, 2) recent acute kidney injury, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure or injurious fall, 3) previous kidney replacement therapy.

Methods

Double-blind randomization to a central or a brachial cuff systolic BP target (both < 130 mm Hg) as measured by a validated central BP device. The study duration is 12 months with follow-up visits every 2 to 4 months, based on local practice. All other aspects of CKD management are at the discretion of the attending nephrologist.

Outcomes

Primary Feasibility: Feasibility of a large-scale trial based on predefined components. Primary Efficacy: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity at 12 months. Others: Efficacy (eGFR decline, albuminuria, BP drugs, and quality of life); Events (major adverse cardiovascular events, CKD progression, hospitalization, mortality); Safety (low BP events and acute kidney injury).

Limitations

May be challenging to distinguish whether central BP is truly different from brachial BP to the point of significantly influencing treatment decisions. Therapeutic inertia may be a barrier to successfully completing a randomized trial in a population of CKD G4-5. These 2 aspects will be evaluated in the feasibility assessment of the trial.

Conclusion

This is the first trial to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of using central BP to manage hypertension in advanced CKD, paving the way to a future large-scale trial.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05163158).

Simultaneous Presentation of Brainstem and Cerebellar Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome With Acute Cerebral Infarction

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and cerebral infarction are both caused by hypertension, but they rarely occur together. If they do coexist, the selection of a management strategy is difficult because of their pathologic differences. Here, we present an uncommon case of brainstem and cerebellar PRES combined with acute lacunar infarction. For this patient, we used an aggressive blood pressure-lowering regimen during the acute phase of his condition. Once the cerebral edema caused by PRES began to improve, antiplatelet therapy was initiated. The treatment was ultimately successful, and the patient was discharged home. A return to work is now planned. Given the rarity of this combination of conditions and a lack of published evidence for management, our report will contribute to the literature concerning the treatment for this combination of conditions.

Recent Developments in Drug Targets and Combination Therapy for the Clinical Management of Hypertension

Raised blood pressure is the most common complication worldwide that may lead to atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. Unhealthy lifestyles, smoking, alcohol consumption, junk food, and genetic disorders are some of the causes of hypertension. To treat this condition, numerous antihypertensive medications are available, either alone or in combination, that work via various mechanisms of action. Combinational therapy provides a certain advantage over monotherapy in the sense that it acts in multi mechanism mode and minimal drug amount is required to elicit the desired therapeutic effect. Such therapy is given to patients with systolic blood pressure greater than 20 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure exceeding 10 mmHg beyond the normal range, as well as those suffering from severe cardiovascular disease. The selection of antihypertensive medications, such as calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and low-dose diuretics, hinges on their ability to manage blood pressure effectively and reduce cardiovascular disease risks. This review provides insights into the diverse monotherapy and combination therapy approaches used for elevated blood pressure management. In addition, it offers an analysis of combination therapy versus monotherapy and discusses the current status of these therapies, from researchbased findings to clinical trials.

H-Type Hypertension among Black South Africans and the Relationship between Homocysteine, Its Genetic Determinants and Estimates of Vascular Function

Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Our objective was to emphasize Hcy’s contribution in hypertension and CVD management by determining H-type hypertension (hypertension with Hcy ≥ 10 µmol/L) and associations between Hcy, blood pressure (BP) and estimates of vascular function among Black South Africans. We included 1995 adults (63% female). Plasma Hcy and cardiovascular measures (systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP), pulse pressure, heart rate (HR), carotid-radialis pulse wave velocity (cr-PWV), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) were quantified. Five Hcy-related polymorphisms (cystathionine β-synthase (CBS 844ins68, T833C, G9276A); methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T) and methionine synthase (MTR A2756G)) were genotyped. Hcy was >10 µmol/L in 41% (n = 762), and of the 47% (n = 951) hypertensives, 45% (n = 425) presented with H-type. Hcy was higher in hypertensives vs. normotensives (9.86 vs. 8.78 µmol/L, p < 0.0001, effect size 0.56) and correlated positively with SBP, DBP, cr-PWV and ICAM-1 (r > 0.19, p < 0.0001). Over Hcy quartiles, SBP, DBP, HR, cr-PWV and ICAM-1 increased progressively (all p-trends ≤ 0.001). In multiple regression models, Hcy contributed to the variance of SBP, DBP, HR, cr-PWV and ICAM-1. H-type hypertensives also had the lowest MTHFR 677 CC frequency (p = 0.03). Hcy is positively and independently associated with markers of vascular function and raised BP.

Multi-trajectories of systolic and diastolic hypertension and coronary heart disease in middle-aged and older adults

Objective

This study aimed to investigate multi-trajectories of systolic and diastolic hypertension and assess their association with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

Methods

The study cohort comprised 4,102 individuals aged 40-75 years with records of at least four systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A group-based multi-trajectory model was adopted to identify multi-trajectories of systolic and diastolic hypertension, followed by a logistic model to assess the independent associations between these trajectories and CHD risk. The multinomial logistic model was used to evaluate the impact of baseline covariates on trajectory groups.

Results

Six distinct trajectories for systolic and diastolic hypertension were identified which represent distinct stages of hypertension and were characterized as low-stable, low-increasing, medium-decreasing, medium-increasing-decreasing, isolated systolic hypertension phase, and high-decreasing. Compared with the low-stable group, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 2.23 (1.34-3.70) for the medium-increasing-decreasing group and 1.87 (1.12-3.11) for the high-decreasing group after adjustment for baseline covariates. Compared with the low-increasing group, the ORs and 95% CIs were 1.88 (1.06-3.31) for the medium-increasing-decreasing group. Age, gender, drinking, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were independent predictors for trajectory groups 4 and 6.

Conclusion

Novel, clinically defined multi-trajectories of systolic and diastolic hypertension were identified. Middle-aged and older adults with medium-increasing-decreasing or high-decreasing blood pressure trajectories are potentially critical periods for the development of CHD. Preventing adverse changes in hypertension status and reducing the high risk of CHD is necessary for people in distinct trajectory groups.

Managing iatrogenic aortic dissection during primary percutaneous coronary intervention of the left main stem

Iatrogenic aortic dissection post primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is rare but yet a serious complication. In this report, we present a case of a 40-year-old lady who had an aortic dissection post PCI which was initially missed by the conventional contrast images and required a gated computerized tomography aortogram to confirm the diagnosis. The patient was managed with strict blood pressure control resulting in complete healing of the dissection after 72 hours of the management. The case illustrates the importance of selecting the correct imaging to make an accurate diagnosis when aortic dissection is suspected and outlines the importance of blood pressure control in treating iatrogenic aortic dissections.

Efficacy of Telemedicine in Hypertension Care Through Home Blood Pressure Monitoring and Videoconferencing: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

The burden of time is often the primary reason why patients discontinue their treatment. Telemedicine may help patients adhere to treatment by offering convenience.

Objective

This study examined the efficacy and safety of telemedicine for the management of hypertension in Japan.

Methods

Patients with uncomplicated hypertension were recruited through web advertising between November 2015 and February 2017. They were then screened, stratified by office systolic blood pressure (SBP), and randomized into two groups: usual care (UC) and telemedicine. The telemedicine group used a 3G network–attached home blood pressure (BP) monitoring device, consulted hypertension specialists from an academic hospital through web-based video visits, and received prescription medication by mail for 1 year. The UC group used the same BP monitoring device but was managed using self-recorded BP readings, which included their diary entries and office BP taken in a community practice setting.

Results

Initial screening was completed by 99 patients, 54% of whom had untreated hypertension. Baseline BP was similar between the groups, but the weekly average SBP at the end of the 1-year study period was significantly lower in the telemedicine group (125, SD 9 mmHg vs 131, SD 12 mmHg, respectively; P=.02). SBP in the telemedicine group was 3.4 mmHg lower in the morning and 5.8 mmHg lower in the evening. The rate of SBP control (135 mmHg) was better in the telemedicine group (85.3% vs 70.0%; P=.01), and significant adverse events were not observed.

Conclusions

We present evidence suggesting that antihypertensive therapy via home BP telemonitoring and web-based video visits achieve better BP control than conventional care and is a safe treatment alternative that warrants further investigation.

Trial Registration

UMIN-CTR UMIN000025372; https://tinyurl.com/47ejkn4b

Improving Smoking and Blood Pressure Outcomes: The Interplay Between Operational Changes and Local Context

PURPOSE

We undertook a study to identify conditions and operational changes linked to improvements in smoking and blood pressure (BP) outcomes in primary care.

METHODS

We purposively sampled and interviewed practice staff (eg, office managers, clinicians) from a subset of 104 practices participating in EvidenceNOW-a multisite cardiovascular disease prevention initiative. We calculated Clinical Quality Measure improvements, with targets of 10-point or greater absolute improvements in the proportion of patients with smoking screening and, if relevant, counseling and in the proportion of hypertensive patients with adequately controlled BP. We analyzed interview data to identify operational changes, transforming these into numeric data. We used Configurational Comparative Methods to assess the joint effects of multiple factors on outcomes.

RESULTS

In clinician-owned practices, implementing a workflow to routinely screen, counsel, and connect patients to smoking cessation resources, or implementing a documentation change or a referral to a resource alone led to an improvement of at least 10 points in the smoking outcome with a moderate level of facilitation support. These patterns did not manifest in health- or hospital system-owned practices or in Federally Qualified Health Centers, however. The BP outcome improved by at least 10 points among solo practices after medical assistants were trained to take an accurate BP. Among larger, clinician-owned practices, BP outcomes improved when practices implemented a second BP measurement when the first was elevated, and when staff learned where to document this information in the electronic health record. With 50 hours or more of facilitation, BP outcomes improved among larger and health- and hospital system-owned practices that implemented these operational changes.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no magic bullet for improving smoking or BP outcomes. Multiple combinations of operational changes led to improvements, but only in specific contexts of practice size and ownership, or dose of external facilitation.

Blood Pressure Modulation With Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Stimulation to the Vagus Nerve: A Pilot Animal Study

Objective

For hypertensive individuals, their blood pressure (BP) is often managed by taking medications. However, antihypertensive drugs might cause adverse effects such as congestive heart failure and are ineffective in significant numbers of the hypertensive population. As an alternative method for hypertension management, non-drug devices-based neuromodulation approaches such as functional electrical stimulation (FES) have been proposed. The FES approach requires the implantation of a stimulator into the body. One recently emerging technique, called low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS), has been proposed to non-invasively modulate neural activities. In this pilot study, the feasibility of adopting low-intensity FUS neuromodulation for BP regulation was investigated using animal models.

Methods

A FUS system was developed for BP modulation in rabbits. For each rabbit, the low-intensity FUS with different acoustic intensities was used to stimulate its exposed left vagus nerve, and the BP waveform was synchronously recorded in its right common carotid artery. The effects of the different FUS intensities on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean blood pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were extensively examined from the BP recordings.

Results

The results demonstrated that the proposed FUS method could successfully induce changes in SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR values. When increasing acoustic intensities, the values of SBP, DBP, and MAP would tend to decrease more substantially.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggested that BP could be modulated through the FUS, which might provide a new way for non-invasive and non-drug management of hypertension.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome coexists with acute cerebral infarction: challenges of blood pressure management

Hypertension is the most common cause of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and acute cerebral infarction. Due to the lack of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), early antihypertensive methods are diverse, even contradictory. So far, there is no consensus on the method of blood pressure (BP) management when the 2 diseases coexist. Generally, antihypertensive therapy should be initiated quickly in the acute phase of PRES, as most patients have elevated BP. However, various factors must be considered before the administration of early antihypertensive therapy in acute cerebral infarction. The coexistence of PRES and acute cerebral infarction is uncommon clinically, and more complicated subsequent BP management. This article reports a case of PRES coexisting with acute lacunar cerebral infarction, which was caused by hypertension. We have analyzed and summarized the antihypertensive principles in PRES and different phases of acute cerebral ischemic injury. We assert that when PRES and acute cerebral infarction coexist, the antihypertensive treatment should be individualized, and careful consideration should be given to the various influencing factors.

Effect of Isometric Resistance Training on Blood Pressure Values in a Group of Normotensive Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Cardiovascular diseases cause 17 million deaths annually worldwide, of which hypertension is responsible for 9.4 million and a 7% burden of disease. High blood pressure is responsible for 45% of deaths from heart disease and 51% of deaths from stroke.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify the effect of isometric resistance training on systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (SBP, DBP, and MAP, respectively) values in normotensive adult participants.

DATA SOURCES

This study was registered with the PROSPERO database. Eligible studies were identified after performing a systematic search within the following databases: PubMed, Scielo, BioMed Central, Clinical Trials, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EBSCO.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials that categorized participants as normotensive according to the guidelines of the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology were included.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data related to participant characteristics, exercise programs, level of evidence, risk of bias, Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template, and outcomes of interest were systematically reviewed independently by 2 authors.

RESULTS

A total of 6 randomized controlled trials were included. The following reductions in blood pressure (compared with the control group) were generated by isometric resistance training: SBP (mean difference [MD], -2.83 mm Hg; 95% CI, -3.95 to -1.72; P < 0.00001), DBP (MD, -2.73; 95% CI, -4.23 to -1.24; P = 0.0003), and MAP (MD, -3.07; 95% CI, -5.24 to -0.90; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

It appears that isometric resistance training reduces SBP, DBP, and MAP in normotensive young adults in a statistically significant and clinically relevant manner. This type of exercise could be considered effective in preventing arterial hypertension.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Is Associated With Higher Systolic Blood Pressure in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes With and Without Hypertension in the Chinese Han Population

OBJECTIVES

Our aim in this study was to investigate the association between diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and above-normal blood pressure in nonhypertensive adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We also compared achievement of clinical targets for DPN and non-DPN with T2DM.

METHODS

A retrospective survey was administered to 3,810 patients with T2DM. Cases were grouped according to the Toronto Clinical Scoring System as follows: non-DPN, mild DPN, moderate DPN and severe DPN. A total of 1,835 patients (hypertensive, 1,247; nonhypertensive, 588) also underwent nerve conduction velocity testing, and then was divided into quartile groups.

RESULTS

Irrespective of hypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and glycated hemoglobin levels in the DPN group were higher than those in the non-DPN group (p<0.001). In hypertensive patients, blood pressure goal achievement was lower in the DPN group compared with the non-DPN group (31.1% vs 40.5%, p<0.05). Compared with the nerve conduction velocity Q1 (<P25%) group, optimal SBP of the Q2 (P25% to P50%), Q3 (P50% to P75%) and Q4 (>P75%) groups decreased by 62.2%, 68.2% and 78.0%, respectively. In the nonhypertensive patients, detection of optimal SBP was lower in the DPN group than in the non-DPN group (p<0.05). After adjusting for age, sex and diabetes duration (model 2), a 3-point higher DPN score on the Toronto Clinical Scoring System was associated with an SBP level of 4.2 mmHg higher (95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.17; p<0.01) in nonhypertensive patients with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

DPN is associated with difficulty in hypertension management in T2DM. It is also associated with elevated systolic blood hypertension, even in nonhypertensive patients with diabetes. Elevated SBP in nonhypertensive T2DM may be also worthy of further attention.

Outcomes of a multi-community hypertension implementation study: the American Heart Association's Check. Change. Control. program

Single-site, intensive, community-based blood pressure (BP) intervention programs have led to BP improvements. The authors examined the American Heart Association's Check. Change.

CONTROL

(CCC) program (4069 patients/18 cities) to determine whether BP interventions can effectively be scaled to multiple communities, using a simplified template and local customization. Effectiveness was evaluated at each site via site percent enrollment goals, participant engagement, and BP change from first to last measurement. High-enrolling sites frequently recruited at senior residential institutions and service organizations held hypertension management classes and utilized established and new community partners. High-engagement sites regularly held hypertension education classes and followed up with participants. Top-performing sites commonly distributed BP cuffs, checked BP at engagement activities, and trained volunteers. CCC demonstrated that simplified community-based hypertension intervention programs may lead to BP improvements, but there was high outcomes variability among programs. Several factors were associated with BP improvement that may guide future program development.

Can blood pressure be lowered safely in older adults with lacunar stroke? The Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes study experience

OBJECTIVES

To determine safety and tolerability of lowering blood pressure in older adults with lacunar stroke.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

The Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes (SPS3) Trial, which compared the efficacy of two systolic blood pressure (SBP) targets (<130 mmHg and 130-149 mmHg) for secondary stroke prevention.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 3,020 SPS3 participants, 494 aged 75 and older at baseline were used in these analyses.

MEASUREMENTS

Rates of side effects related to lowering SBP and clinical outcomes, including stroke recurrence and vascular death, were examined.

RESULTS

Older participants achieved SBP levels similar to those of younger participants (mean SBP of 125 mmHg and 137 mmHg in lower and higher SBP target groups, respectively). At least once during the approximately 3.5 years of follow-up, 21% reported dizziness, and 15% reported lightheadedness when standing; the only significant difference between the younger and older groups was unsteadiness when standing (23% vs 32% respectively, P < .001). There was no difference according to treatment group. In younger adults, recurrent stroke was less likely in the lower than the higher SBP group (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59-1.01) but not in older participants (HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.59-1.73), although the interaction was not significant (P = .39). The lower SBP target was associated with a significant reduction in vascular death in older participants (HR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.18-0.98), with a significant interaction between age and SBP group (P = .049).

CONCLUSION

Except for unsteadiness when standing, there was no difference according to age in individuals with lacunar stroke with respect to side effects potentially related to lowering blood pressure. Although the lower SBP target was not associated with lower likelihood of recurrent stroke, these exploratory analyses suggested a possible benefit related to vascular death.

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.

A multidisciplinary stroke clinic for outpatient care of veterans with cerebrovascular disease

Background:

Managing cerebrovascular risk factors is complex and difficult. The objective of this program evaluation was to assess the effectiveness of an outpatient Multidisciplinary Stroke Clinic model for the clinical management of veterans with cerebrovascular disease or cerebrovascular risk factors.

Methods:

The Multidisciplinary Stroke Clinic provided care to veterans with cerebrovascular disease during a one-half day clinic visit with interdisciplinary evaluations and feedback from nursing, health psychology, rehabilitation medicine, internal medicine, and neurology. We conducted a program evaluation of the clinic by assessing clinical care outcomes, patient satisfaction, provider satisfaction, and costs.

Results:

We evaluated the care and outcomes of the first consecutive 162 patients who were cared for in the clinic. Patients had as many as six clinic visits. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased: 137.2 ± 22.0 mm Hg versus 128.6 ± 19.8 mm Hg, P = 0.007 and 77.9 ± 14.8 mm Hg versus 72.0 ± 10.2 mm Hg, P = 0.004, respectively as did low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (101.9 ± 23.1 mg/dL versus 80.6 ± 25.0 mg/dL, P = 0.001). All patients had at least one major change recommended in their care management. Both patients and providers reported high satisfaction levels with the clinic. Veterans with stroke who were cared for in the clinic had similar or lower costs than veterans with stroke who were cared for elsewhere.

Conclusion:

A Multidisciplinary Stroke Clinic model provides incremental improvement in quality of care for complex patients with cerebrovascular disease at costs that are comparable to usual post-stroke care.