A new analysis of data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) has confirmed that lowering blood pressure to below 120 mmHg can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and early death in older adults with hypertension.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, also examined the potential harms of intensive blood pressure lowering, such as acute kidney injury and dangerously low blood pressure.
The analysis found that most older adults who participated in SPRINT experienced more benefits than harms when lowering their systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) to below 120 mmHg, compared to the standard target of below 140 mmHg.
Interestingly, the study also found that individuals with:
- Advanced age
- Frailty
- Multiple prescription medications (polypharmacy)
Still benefited from lower blood pressure targets, even though they faced a higher risk of treatment-related side effects.
Doctors often hesitate to aggressively lower blood pressure in frail, older adults due to concerns about side effects. However, this study suggests that age, frailty, and polypharmacy should not automatically prevent intensive blood pressure treatment. Instead, decisions should be made based on each individual’s overall health risks and personal preferences.
The authors emphasize that for noninstitutionalized, community-dwelling older adults—meaning those living independently—the SPRINT findings can be safely applied on a case-by-case basis.
While intensive blood pressure lowering reduces the risk of heart disease and early death, it can also lead to:
- Acute kidney injury (temporary or long-term damage to the kidneys)
- Hypotension (dangerously low blood pressure), which can cause dizziness or fainting
For this reason, the researchers recommend that clinicians personalize treatment plans rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
For many older adults with hypertension, lowering blood pressure more aggressively could lead to better heart health and a longer life. However, it is important to discuss potential side effects with a doctor and carefully monitor any changes in health during treatment.
This study supports individualized care in managing high blood pressure, ensuring that each patient’s unique health needs are considered when making treatment decisions.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about blood pressure drug that may increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and these teas could help reduce high blood pressure.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about nutrient that could strongly lower high blood pressure, and results showing this novel antioxidant may help reverse blood vessels aging by 20 years.
The research findings can be found in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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