A major new study has found that keeping blood pressure under strict control can protect the heart and even save lives.
This is especially true for people who have a high chance of developing heart disease. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the main reasons people suffer from heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems.
The new research shows that lowering blood pressure more than usual might make a big difference.
Doctors usually try to keep the top number of a blood pressure reading, called systolic blood pressure, below 140.
But this new study, called the Effective Systolic Pressure Reduction Intervention Trial (ESPRIT), suggests that aiming for a lower number—below 120—works even better. The study took place in China and focused on people who had a higher risk of heart disease.
The results were clear. People who received the more intensive treatment, with the goal of keeping their systolic pressure below 120, had 12% fewer serious heart problems. These problems included heart attacks, strokes, deaths from heart disease, hospital stays for heart failure, and surgeries to fix blocked arteries.
Even more impressive, the stricter treatment led to a 39% drop in deaths caused by heart disease. That means many more lives could be saved just by lowering blood pressure more than usual.
In addition, the study found that deaths from all causes—not just heart-related—were reduced by 21% in people who followed the stricter treatment plan. This shows that better blood pressure control can lead to overall better health.
Some people may worry that lowering blood pressure too much could be harmful. The researchers looked at this too. They found no big increase in serious side effects like dangerously low blood pressure, kidney issues, or problems with the body’s salt balance. There was a small increase in people fainting, but it was rare.
Why does this matter? High blood pressure affects millions of people around the world. It often has no symptoms, but it can silently damage the body over time. This study suggests that lowering blood pressure even more than doctors currently recommend could protect the heart and save lives.
The key message is this: if you are at risk of heart problems, it might be worth talking to your doctor about aiming for a lower blood pressure target. Everyone is different, so the best plan depends on your personal health. But this research gives new hope that stricter blood pressure control could lead to longer, healthier lives.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about This alcohol treatment could help treat high blood pressure and How blood pressure changes with age.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about Intensive blood pressure treatment for older adults may harm heart and kidneys and What you should know about high blood pressure medications.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
