Does abnormal circadian blood pressure pattern really matter in patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke?

Abstract

Background and Purpose-Patients with stroke are more likely to have impaired autonomic nervous function and abnormal circadian blood pressure (BP) patterns. It remains unclear whether circadian BP patterns in patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 3) differ from those in the normal population. Methods-Participants were assessed using a 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor and a short- Term measurement of heart rate variability. Results- There were 76 patients (mean age, 67.2 years 57.9% men and 61.8% transient ischemic attack) and 82 controls (65.6 years 54.9% men). A history of hypertension was more prevalent in patients (72.4% controls ..