Multiple risk factor intervention trial (MRFIT).: VI. Intervention on blood pressure

Abstract

The MRFIT blood pressure data derived from the Special Intervention (SI) group of men over the first 4 years are presented, and the results of the hypertension treatment program are reviewed. A therapeutic goal diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was established for each man determined to be hypertensive which included men with DBP ⩾90 mm Hg and men who were already taking antihypertensive drugs. A stepped care protocol was used to guide the drug treatment. At the fourth annual examination, 63.8% of the 5,790 SI men seen had been previously declared hypertensive. The mean baseline blood pressure (BP) for the hypertensive group was 140.3 mm Hg, systolic, and 94.5 mm Hg, diastolic, and at the 48-month visit, the mean BP was 120.7 mm Hg, systolic, and 82.5 mm Hg, diastolic. Of the hypertensive men seen at 48 months, 87.3% were taking antihypertensive drugs, 65.4% were at or below their goal pressure, and 83.5% had a DBP <90 mm Hg. Most men on antihypertensive drug therapy were at protocol Step 1 or Step 2, receiving a diuretic agent alone (32.9%), or in combination with an antiadrenergic drug (40.4%). Data for specific drug regimens are presented. Older men and men with higher BP levels at entry had a better response. The MRFIT BP results, achieved within a context of a multiple-risk-factor intervention program, compare favorably with the results from recently reported trials that focused solely on the treatment of mild hypertension.