Diastolic blood pressure levels and ischemic stroke incidence in older adults with white matter lesions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The optimal blood pressure level to minimize the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) in older adults is undetermined. Cerebral white matter lesions (WML), prevalent in older adults, may be a marker for vulnerability to IS. We aimed at determining the relationship between diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels and IS in the presence of WML.

Methods

The Cardiovascular Health Study population (N = 3,345, age ≥ 65 years, N = 3,345) was followed between 1989 and 2002 for IS incidence. Survival analysis included quintiles of DBP analyzed within WML levels controlling for age and cardiovascular disease.

Results

DBP had no effect on IS incidence in low WML levels but had a marginally significant J-curve relationship with IS in high WML levels: the adjusted hazard ratio for

SUBMITTER: Reshef S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3032431 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature