Journal of hypertension
-
Journal of hypertension · Feb 2005
Editorial CommentBlood pressure in acute stroke: in search of evidence.
-
Journal of hypertension · Feb 2005
COSSACS (Continue or Stop post-Stroke Antihypertensives Collaborative Study): rationale and design.
Up to 40% of acute stroke patients are already taking antihypertensive therapy on hospital admission, and most will develop elevated blood pressure levels as an acute complication of the stroke. However, no clear data exist as to whether antihypertensive therapy should be continued or discontinued in the acute situation. Surveys of clinical practice reveal significant physician variability and no clear guidelines exist. ⋯ The primary outcome for COSSACS is the proportion of patients who are dead or dependent (defined by a modified Rankin score > 2) at 14 days post-stroke. Secondary outcomes include blood pressure changes, and neurological and functional status at 2 weeks and 6 months post-ictus.