Table 8.

BIHS position: Considerations for blood pressure (BP) lowering therapy in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).

Hypertensive emergency state	Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Speed of BP reduction and BP targets	Balance between progression of bleed and intracerebral vasospasm.
	1. BP control is not necessary unless other compelling indications such as a co-existing hypertensive emergency conditions, elevated risk of re-bleed, immediate intervention required.
	2. Adequate pain management is important.
	3. If BP reduction is required, it should be achieved with a titratable agent target of 140–180/90–110 mmHg may be appropriate.
Medications	Oral nimodipine may be considered in patients with SAH. In patients with concomitant hypertensive emergency state, treatment based on associated diagnoses.