Table 3

Targets for maintaining homeostasis in acute ischaemic stroke patients

VariableTarget/intervention
Oxygen saturationOxygen supplementation if saturation <95%
HydrationAssessed within 4 hours using multiple tools
SwallowingScreen for dysphagia with validated tool within 4 hours and before any oral intake (including medication)
Plasma glucose5–15 mmol/L
Blood pressureNo target. Indication for treatment:

  • ≥185 or ≥110 mmHg

  • Hypertensive encephalopathy, nephropathy, cardiac failure or myocardial infarction

  • Aortic dissection

  • Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia

  • Adapted from National Clinical Guideline for Stroke 2016.9