Stroke and Hypotensive Syndromes

A constantly growing body of evidence points at the close association between hypotension and stroke in the elderly. Gradual accumulation of knowledge from experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies allows for better understanding of the influence of particular hypotensive syndromes on different types of cerebrovascular pathology. However, the role of specific hypotensive syndromes (e.g., orthostatic hypotension) as independent risk factor of stroke or, to the contrary, as a secondary marker of cardiovascular burden is still being discussed. In consequence, some important therapeutic dilemmas occur that need yet to be conclusively solved. Another substantial issue is the clinical and pathophysiological meaning of hypotensive syndromes (e.g., nocturnal hypotension) in acute and chronic stroke including the influence on the short- and long- term clinical outcome, therapy and rehabilitation success, and all day living of stroke patients.