How low blood pressure? A new study has the answer

The study used data from the experience of systolic blood pressure intervention experience (SPRINT), the National Survey for Health and Nutrition (NHANES), and other literature published to simulate life -long health results – including heart attack, stroke, and cardiac condition – for patients whose systolic blood pressure targets have been identified in <120 mm Hg, <130 mm, and <140 m. With the awareness that the blood pressure drug comes with side effects, the researchers also simulated and compared the risk of dangerous events resulting from the treatment.

The simulation model also formed common errors in the blood pressure readings of patients based on what was observed in routine clinical practice.

Even when this error rate is included, the simulation model found that the target <120 mm mercury prevents more cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure from the target <130 mm Hg. However, the bottom goal has led to additional negative events related to treatment, such as falling, kidney injury, low blood pressure, and slow heart. The bottom goal of the general health care spending was also increased due to the increase in the most common anti -pressure and visits with doctors.

Compared to the effectiveness of the three blood pressure targets with typical levels of analogy, the researchers found that the target is less than 120 mm mercury was effective, linked to a cost of $ 42,000 per year amended life.

“The results we have found indicate that the intense goal <120 mm mercury prevents more cardiovascular events and provides good value, and this is true even when the measurements are not perfect," said the main author Karen Smith, a researcher at the Orthopedic Surgery Department at Brigham Hospital, a founding member of the Brigham Public Health Care System.

Smith also warned, “Our results are studying the effectiveness of the cost of intensive treatment at the population level. However, given an additional risk of negative events related to the discharge specialist, intensive treatment will not be perfect for all patients. Patients and doctors should work together to determine the appropriate severity of the drug based on the patient’s preferences.”

Authorship: In addition to Smith, among General Praijham Thomas Gaziano. Among the additional authors are two thousand Mawsin, David Katler, Nicholas Minizis and Akor Pandia.

Finance: The study was funded by the National Science Corporation and the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke.