Blood Pressure After Recent Stroke: Baseline Findings From the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes Trial

BACKGROUND Hypertension is the most powerful risk factor for stroke. The aim of this study was to characterize baseline blood pressure in participants in the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes trial. METHODS For this cross-sectional analysis, participants were categorized by baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 120, 120-139, 140-159, 160-179, and 180 mm Hg and compared on demographic and clinical characteristics. Predictors of SBP < 140 mm Hg were examined. RESULTS Mean SBP was 143 +/- 19 mm Hg while receiving an average of 1.7 antihypertensive medications; SBP >= 140 mm Hg for 53% and >= 160 mm Hg for 18% of the 3,020 participants. Higher SBP was associated with a history of hypertension and hypertension for longer duration (both P < 0.0001). Higher SBPs were associated with more extensive white matter disease on magnetic resonance imaging (P < 0.0001). There were significant differences in entry-level SBP when participants were categorized by race and region (both P < 0.0001). Black participants were more likely to have SBP >= 140 mm Hg. Multivariable logistic regression showed an independent effect for region with those from Canada more likely (odds ratio = 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.29, 2.32) to have SBP < 140 mm Hg compared with participants from United States. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort with symptomatic lacunar stroke, more than half had uncontrolled hypertension at approximately 2.5 months after stroke. Regional, racial, and clinical differences should be considered to improve control and prevent recurrent stroke.