Thresholds and Targets for Hypertension Management in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Should Remain at 130/80 mmHg: What's the Evidence?

Abstract

Hypertension and diabetes are common comorbidities and are both modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and death. Lowering blood pressure reduces target organ damage and prevents cardiovascular disease outcomes. The harmonized Canadian clinical practice guidelines for managing hypertension in people with diabetes provides health-behaviour advice and medical therapy recommendations for a threshold blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg and above and to target blood pressure to below 130/80 mmHg. We have reviewed the studies supporting these recommendations and others, and they appear to be at odds with the guidelines, including those for elderly people and patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.