Acute hypertensive response (AHR) in the early phase of ischemic stroke is associated with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, central augmentation index, central systolic and pulse pressures measured 7 ± 2 days after stroke independently of other clinical factors.

Patients having elevated aortic stiffness are more likely to develop AHR in the early phase of stroke.

Among potential pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for this relationship is impaired baroreceptor function in stiff arteries resulting in improper BP autoregulation.