Hypertension and the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage: special considerations in patients with renal disease

was 2.45 (95% confidence interval (CI ) 1.61‐3.73) [3]. A similar OR was obtained when patients who had ence and severity of hypertension among patients with renal diseases, these findings are of particular imporever used antihypertensive medication were considered (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.56‐3.82). Although these ORs are tance among this group of patients. generally less than those reported in most previous studies of the condition [4‐9] they are similar to the Implications for patients with renal disease only other major Australian study [10]. The relatively low ORs might partly be explained by the high level Although many factors probably contribute to the of detection and management of hypertension in dramatically increased risk of ICH in chronic haemoAustralia, as well as other population diVerences, dialysis patients, there is clear evidence for a major including the prevalence of smoking and other risk role of hypertension [12,13]. Furthermore, the prevalfactors for ICH [11]. ence and severity of hypertension in this group of patients might also suggest that they are at increased risk of ICH [14]. Aggressive treatment of hypertension, Ceasing antihypertensive medication use increases with lower than normal target blood pressure, has the risk of ICH