Table 1.

Recommended Guidelines from the AHA/ASA for Treating Elevated BP in Spontaneous ICH

If SBP is >200 mm Hg or MAP is >150 mm Hg, then consider aggressive reduction of BP with continuous intravenous infusion, with frequent BP monitoring every 5 min. If SBP is >180 mm Hg or MAP is >130 mm Hg and there is the possibility of elevated ICP, then consider monitoring ICP and reducing BP using intermittent or continuous intravenous medications while maintaining a cerebral perfusion pressure ≥60 mm Hg. If SBP is >180 mm Hg or MAP is >130 mm Hg and there is no evidence of elevated ICP, then consider a modest reduction of BP (e.g., MAP of 110 mm Hg or target BP of 160/90 mm Hg) using intermittent or continuous intravenous medications to control BP and clinically reexamine the patient every 15 min.

SBP indicates systolic blood pressure;

MAP, mean arterial pressure. AHA/ASA, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Adapted from [37]