Does Blood Pressure Go Up or Down During a Stroke?

Q: Does your blood pressure and heart rate rise or fall during a stroke? If so, why does it do this?

A: Blood pressure may be high during a stroke. However, it is possible to have a stroke with normal blood pressure.

There are two types of a stroke. In an ischemic stroke the blood flow to an area in the head is blocked. In a hemorrhagic stroke, a vessel in the head bursts and bleeds into the brain. The goal of the heart is to keep blood carrying oxygen flowing to the head no matter what. Blood vessels tighten, the heart beats faster, and blood pressure increases automatically as needed.An inability of the body to maintain blood pressure after a stroke is not good. This is a sign that massive damage has occurred.

Read More:

Stroke Heart Center– WebMD

What Happens During a Stroke – Livestrong.com