Association of Blood Pressure Elevation and Nocturnal Dipping With Brain Atrophy, Perfusion and Functional Measures in Stroke and Nonstroke Individuals

Abstract

Background Although blood pressure elevation and lower nocturnal dipping both increase vascular risk, it is not known if either or both are also associated with brain atrophy, cerebral perfusion, and functional status. Methods We investigated the association of elevated blood pressure and nocturnal dipping based on 24-hour ambulatory recordings with brain atrophy and perfusion and functional status in 80 older adults with and without stroke (age 66.4±0.8 years, 51% women, 16% non-white, 46% prior ischemic stroke, 55% hypertension). Anatomical and 3-D continuous arterial spin labeling brain MRI measuring volumes and perfusion and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure readings were completed. Results Nocturnal dipping of lesser magnitude in systolic (non-stroke: p=0.03; stroke: p=0.005) and pulse pressure (non-stroke: p=0.002; stroke: p=0.01) was associated with greater brain atrophy, affecting preferentially the fronto-parietal regions. Dipping of lesser magnitude in systolic blood pressure (non-stroke: p=0.01; stroke: p=0.03) and greater brain atrophy (non-stroke: p=0.04; stroke: p= 0.05) were also associated with slower gait speed and worse functional outcome post stroke. Higher 24-hour blood pressure averages were associated with lower cerebral perfusion but not atrophy in those with and without stroke. Conclusions In those with and without stroke, dipping of lesser magnitude in systolic and pulse pressure is associated with brain atrophy and worse functional status. Nocturnal dipping, in addition to elevated blood pressure, should be considered as an additional important target in the clinical evaluation of those at risk for cerebrovascular disease or functional loss.