Effect of treatment of carotid artery stenosis on blood pressure: a comparison of hemodynamic disturbances after carotid endarterectomy and endovascular treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Carotid intervention by carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or endovascular treatment may cause hemodynamic change. The immediate and long-term effects on blood pressure after these procedures were assessed.

METHODS: Patients were randomized to CEA (n=49) or endovascular treatment (n=55) that comprised percutaneous transluminal angioplasty alone (n=31), balloon-expandable stent (n=13), or self-expandable stent (n=11). A baseline 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure recording was made before carotid intervention and repeated at 24 hours, 1 month, and 6 months after the procedure.

RESULTS: In the first 24 hours after the procedure, episodes of hypotension occurred in 75% of the CEA group and 76% of the endovascular group; hypertension occurred in 11% and 13%, respectively. There was a significant fall in blood pressure at 1 hour after the procedure in both groups (24 and 16 mm Hg fall in CEA and endovascular groups, respectively), but this was only sustained in the endovascular group. The pattern of blood pressure response in the first 24 hours was significantly different (P<0.0001, ANCOVA). Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower at 1 and 6 months only in the surgical group (6 and 5 mm Hg fall, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Both CEA and endovascular treatment have an effect on blood pressure stability, particularly within the first 24 hours after the procedure.