Introduction: Acute decrease in blood pressure after deployment of a carotid artery stent (CAS) is a well-documented phenomenon. Anecdotal evidence suggests these changes may be more long-lasting, resulting in the need for fewer blood pressure medications. This study aims to quantify the decrease in blood pressure and blood pressure medication following CAS.
Methods: We have conducted a retrospective chart review of 69 patients that underwent carotid artery stenting from 2008-2009, evaluating acute and long-term trends in blood pressure with a focus on blood pressure management medications. Inclusion criteria includes patients at West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero, Louisiana with 75-99 % occlusion of one or both carotid arteries and a diagnosis of hypertension treated with at least one class of blood pressure medication. Blood pressure and blood pressure medications were reviewed before and after the CAS procedure, at 1-3 months, at 1 year, and 2 years post stenting.
Results: This study found an average decrease in SBP of 10-15mmHg. A decrease of at least one anti-hypertensive medication was observed in 50 patients (72%). Four (6%) patients showed an increase in number of medications and 15 (22%) showed no change in hypertension medications.
Conclusions: In addition to decreasing the risk of stroke, CAS may result in a long-term decrease in the severity of hypertension, requiring fewer antihypertensive medications.
Patient Care: Carotid artery stenting may reduce the number of needed hypertension medications, benefiting the patient.
Learning Objectives: 1.To identify existence of any long-term changes in blood pressure after carotid artery stenting
2.To quantify long-term changes in blood pressure after CAS
3.To detect any additional trends in blood pressure following CAS