CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
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Alpha-blockers are notorious for their first-dose effect of acute hypotension during the early initiation period. Because acute cerebral hypoperfusion may precipitate an episode of ischemic stroke, we aimed to provide a quantitative estimate of the risk of ischemic stroke during the early initiation period of α-blocker therapy, using a self-controlled case series design. ⋯ Alpha-blocker therapy was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke during the early initiation period, especially among patients who were not taking other antihypertensive agents.