Blood pressure: at what level is treatment worthwhile?

Abstract

SUMMARYHigh blood pressure is a key modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular events. A cardiovascular risk-based approach is best for determining when to start antihypertensive treatmentRecent trial evidence has suggested lower blood pressure targets are beneficial. This has influenced international guidelines. The US guidelines have a lower threshold for defining hypertension than current Australian and European guidelinesThe patient’s individual circumstances must be considered when treatment targets are set. For someone with a high risk of cardiovascular events, a systolic blood pressure target of 120 mmHg may be appropriate