Blood Pressure Variability and Ischemic Stroke Outcome
The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the role of blood pressure (BPV) variability in patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. To determine the association of BPV with functional/cognitive outcome after ischemic stroke. 2. To determine a pathophysiologic mechanism of BPV's deleterious effect on functional outcome. 3. To evaluate potential treatment targets to pharmacologically reduce BPV after ischemic stroke.
• Ischemic stroke according to the American Heart Association (AHA) definition and either:
‣ CT or MRI showing ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation (frontal, parietal or superior temporal lobes), or
⁃ Occlusion of the internal carotid, middle cerebral or anterior cerebral arteries on computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
‣ Onset of ischemic stroke within 48 hours and able to get baseline pMRI within 72 hours of arrival
‣ 4\) NIH Stroke Scale ≥ 4 at time of enrollment