Arterial stiffness as a risk factor for ischemic stroke

Stroke is one of the most common complications of hypertension. There is a continuous relationship (in log-linear fashion) between level of blood pressure and the risk of the first and subsequent strokes. Lowering blood pressure is not a sole aim in hypertension treatment in stroke patients, moreover relative efficacy of used drugs groups in stroke prevention is different. There are discrepancies between level of systolic blood pressure measured on brachial artery and central (aortic) blood pressure. Cerebral vessels are especially sensitive to blood pressure fluctuations generated in ascending aorta. Arterial wall stiffness and early return of the reflected pulse wave increase the amplitude of central blood pressure causing increase in pulse pressure. Measurement of central pulse pressure may provide additional information in decision making and monitoring hypotensive therapy in post-stroke patients, especially that it can be done with simple not-invasive technique.