Optimal blood pressure target for patients with prior stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

In this systematic review of randomized controlled trials, we examined the optimal blood pressure (BP) target for patients with prior stroke, comparing intensive BP control (systolic BP [SBP] <130 mmHg) with standard BP control (SBP < 140 mmHg). Literature searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database, and Ichu-shi identified seven randomized controlled trials for quantitative analysis. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models, with most included trials assessed as having low risks of bias. The meta-analysis showed significant reductions in recurrent stroke (risk ratio [RR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.96) and major cardiovascular events (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.97) in the intensive BP control arm. Intensive BP control was more effective in reducing recurrent hemorrhagic stroke (RR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.15-0.74) than ischemic stroke (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.71-1.08). However, adverse events such as syncope or dizziness were significantly more frequent in the intensive BP control arm (RR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.00-1.68). Absolute risk reductions (per 1,000 persons) for recurrent stroke (-14; 95% CI, -24 to -4) and major cardiovascular events (-17; 95% CI, -28 to -6) outweighed the absolute increase in syncope or dizziness (4; 95% CI, 0-9). We recommend a lower SBP target of <130 mmHg, with careful monitoring for hypotension-related symptoms, to prevent recurrent stroke and major cardiovascular events in patients with prior stroke.