Evaluating the benefits of a more versus a less intensive blood pressure lowering treatment strategy in patients with hypertension.

This study evaluated the benefits of a more versus a less intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering treatment strategy in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure). The data showed that a more intensive BP lowering treatment strategy significantly reduced the risks of stroke, heart failure, heart attacks, and cardiovascular death compared to a less intensive BP-lowering treatment strategy in these patients.

Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is a common condition. It increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also increases the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. Managing BP can sometimes require multiple medications. There are many ways to target BP.

Proper management of BP has been controversial since the early 2000s. The American Heart Association recommends a target BP of less than 130/80 mmHg. However, the European Society of Hypertension recommends a target of less than 140/90 mmHg. Whether a broader population of patients would benefit from a more or a less intensive BP-lowering treatment strategy remains under investigation.

This study involved 60,870 patients with hypertension. Patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group 1 included patients who received a more intensive BP-lowering treatment strategy. Group 2 included patients who received a less intensive BP-lowering treatment strategy. The average follow-up time was 3.95 years.

Patients who received a more intensive BP lowering treatment strategy had an average systolic blood pressure (SBP; blood pressure when the heart beats) reduction of 7.69 mm Hg compared to patients who received a less intensive BP-lowering treatment strategy.

A more intensive BP lowering treatment strategy significantly reduced the risk of stroke by 21%, the risk of heart failure by 27%, the risk of heart attack by 19%, and the risk of cardiovascular death by 19% compared to a less intensive BP-lowering treatment strategy.

This study concluded that a more intensive BP lowering treatment strategy significantly reduced the risks of stroke, heart failure, heart attacks, and cardiovascular death compared to a less intensive BP-lowering treatment strategy in patients with hypertension.

This study looked back in time at medical records. The studies analyzed had different outcomes evaluated, different study designs, and different follow-up periods. This study did not evaluate the potential interactions between the intensity of BP control and long-term BP variability.