Identify the systolic blood pressure threshold for withholding fibrinolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke.

In the context of acute ischemic stroke management, the recommended systolic blood pressure threshold for withholding fibrinolytic therapy is 185 mmHg. This guideline is established to minimize the risk of hemorrhagic transformation, which can occur if fibrinolytics are administered when blood pressure is excessively high. When blood pressure exceeds this threshold, the potential benefits of fibrinolytic therapy may be outweighed by the risk of serious complications, including intracranial hemorrhage.

Maintaining systolic blood pressure at or below this threshold is critical for safe administration of fibrinolytics, as studies have demonstrated that higher blood pressure levels increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes. Therefore, this threshold serves as a standard criterion to ensure patient safety while optimizing the potential benefits of thrombolytic therapy in a timely manner.