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:To determine the association of BPV with functional/cognitive outcome after ischemic stroke.To determine a pathophysiologic mechanism of BPV's deleterious effect on functional outcome.To evaluate potential treatment targets to pharmacologically reduce BPV after ischemic stroke.

Inclusion Criteria: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), orOcclusion 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 24 hours of onsetNIH Stroke Scale ≥6 at time of enrollmentExclusion Criteria:Pre-morbid mRS ≥3Predicted hospital system admission <72 hoursPacemaker or other MRI contraindications per American College of Radiology guidelines