Blood Pressure Levels at the Time of Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization and Risk of Coronary In-Stent Restenosis

BACKGROUND High blood pressure (BP) levels expose patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) to very high risk of 10-year cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of BP levels at the time of PCI on the risk of in-stent restenosis (ISR). METHODS We retrospectively included 796 patients previously treated with PCI, who underwent repeated angiography for recurrent angina or reversible myocardial ischemia. Patients were stratified into either case (n = 354) and control (n = 442) groups in the presence or absence of ISR (defined as in-stent diameter stenosis >= 50%). BP levels were measured at the time of first and second procedures. Normal BP levels were defined for < 140/90mm Hg. RESULTS Patients with normal BP showed significantly higher ISR-free survival (Log-rank: 5.937; P = 0.015). Both systolic (HR (95% CI): 0.731 (0.590-0.906)) and systolic/diastolic BP (HR (95% CI): 0.757 (0.611-0.939)) were significantly and independently associated with lower risk of ISR at Cox-regression analysis, adjusted for potential confounding factors, including stent type and concomitant medications. Patients with ISR showed lower rates of normal systolic/diastolic BP values (166 (47%) vs. 254 (57%); P = 0.003) compared to controls. They also received higher stent number (1.40 +/- 0.74 vs. 1.24 +/- 0.51; P < 0.001) with higher stent length (24.3 +/- 15.6 vs. 21.7 +/- 13.9mm; P = 0.012), and lower rate of drug-eluting stents (DESs) (210 (48%) vs. 139 (40%); P = 0.025) compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Normal BP at the time of PCI is associated with nearly 24% risk reduction of ISR as evaluated in a new angiography in patients with coronary artery disease.