Federal researchers urge older adults to aim for much lower blood pressure
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High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other serious problems.
Although the researchers found that swings in blood pressure may increase a person’s risk of various ailments, they do not suggest that changing medication or curbing blood pressure swings will lower one’s risk.
In those in the more intensive blood pressure lowering group, rates of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and heart failure, as well as stroke, were reduced by nearly a third and the risk of death by nearly a quarter, compared with those in the 140 group. On the other hand, the top risks associated with the deaths among both men and women globally are high blood pressure, high body mass index, high fattening plasma glucose.
A board overseeing the welfare of patients in the study decided to end the trial early because the results were so strong, and the board considered unethical to hide the findings from patients.
A major new study shows treating high blood pressure more aggressively than usual cuts the risk of heart disease and death in people over age 50.
When SPRINT was designed, the well-established clinical guidelines recommended a systolic blood pressure of less than 140 mm Hg for healthy adults and 130 mm Hg for adults with kidney disease or diabetes. Moderate to slightly intense workouts done a couple of hours over a certain period of time will somehow help in cutting fat therefore reducing your blood pressure.
Between 2010 and 2013, the SPRINT investigators randomly divided the study participants into two groups that differed according to targeted levels of blood pressure control.
Stein said there is a wide range of different types of blood pressure medications, often generic and low-priced, that are safe and well-tolerated when used properly.
Tighter control required an average of about three medications, one more than required for patients who aimed to reach the below-140 target.
The study is also examining kidney disease, cognitive function, and dementia among the patients; however, those results are still under analysis and are not yet available as additional information will be collected over the next year.
While the results still need to published, it is clear that it is a landmark study that will change medical practice, said James Stein, a professor of cardiology and director of the preventive cardiology and advanced hypertension program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospital and Clinics. The results do not apply to patients with diabetes or a history of stroke. The briefing will be hosted by NHLBI Director Dr. Gary H. Gibbons.
