Managing blood pressure: does intensive monitoring reduce risk of cardiac events?

This study investigated if intensive or standard blood pressure control was more beneficial in preventing cardiac events and death.They found that patients who underwent intensive blood pressure control had a reduced risk of cardiac events and death.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition that requires strict blood pressure control. A high proportion of people over the age of 75 are treated for hypertension.

Standard guidelines recommend a person should aim to reduce systolic blood pressure below 140 mmHg. Recent studies suggest that managing blood pressure to below 120 mmHg may reduce the risk of cardiovascular (heart and circulatory system) events. These include heart attacks, heart disease, heart failure and death.

This study investigated if standard or intensive blood pressure control has a lower risk of cardiovascular events and death.

This study included 2510 patients over the age of 75 with hypertension. Patients were assigned to undergo either intensive (systolic blood pressure less than 120 mmHg) or standard (less than 140 mmHg) blood pressure control. Cardiovascular events were recorded during the trial and the number and severity of these events was used to determine the risk. Any adverse events unrelated to the cardiovascular system were also noted. Patients were followed for an average of 3.14 years.

Patients who underwent intensive blood pressure control had a reduced risk of cardiovascular events (34%) and death (33%). There were a similar number of adverse events reported in both groups of patients. 

This study concluded that patients who underwent intensive blood pressure control had a reduced risk of cardiac events and death.

This study included a higher proportion of men than women (62%). 

If you have any concerns regarding blood pressure management, please discuss with your physician.