For BP, a little lower is better
By Jennifer Johnson McEwen
A measurement of 120 is probably better than 140 or higher where systolic blood pressure is concerned, according to a major National Institutes of Health clinical trial that included Emory patients.
More intensive management of high blood pressure may help significantly reduce rates of cardiovascular disease and lower the risk of death among older adults, the study showed. “The preliminary findings from the SPRINT trial are impressive and are likely to have a significant impact on medical practice as well as future guidelines,” says Emory cardiologist Laurence Sperling, president of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology.
“Evidence that a lower systolic blood pressure target (120 mm Hg) in the population studied reduces major cardiovascular events and death will be critically valuable for the field of cardiovascular prevention.”
Related Links
"Groundbreaking heart study may change guidelines for treating high blood pressure" (9/15/2015)
