SPRINT to lower blood pressure targets

Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated increasing cardiovascular risk at a systolic blood pressure above 115 mm Hg. However, blood pressure treatment targets are less clear with clinical trials limited to evidence of benefit below 150 mm Hg. The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) sought to determine outcomes following treatment to a target of less than 120 mm Hg (intensive treatment) compared with a target of less than 140 mm Hg (standard treatment). The study randomized 9361 non-diabetic patients with systolic hypertension (>130 mm Hg) and at least one other cardiac risk factor. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events or cardiovascular death. The choice of pharmacological agents was not mandated, but the use of a thiazide based …