An article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel quoted comments from James Stein, MD, professor, Cardiovascular Medicine about an analysis published in JAMA Cardiology that looked at 42 clinical trials and systolic blood pressure involving 144,000 patients treated for high blood pressure. 

The analysis found that the lowest risk for heart disease and death was in treated patients whose systolic pressure was maintained between 120 and 124, and thee lowest risk for stroke was for those whose systolic blood pressure was kept under 120. 

Noting the mounting evidence of health benefits for lower blood pressure than guidelines recommend, Dr. Stein cautioned that "Doctors and patients need to work together using a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, home blood pressure monitoring and lab testing to see the benefit and minimize the risks of low blood pressure or medication complications."

Additionally, Dr. Stein cautioned against over-simplifying the results of the study, or its subsequent message. "The conclusion of this and other recent studies should not be simplified into 'We have lower blood pressure goals – here is another pill for you.' To the contrary. What happens in the UW Health Advanced Hypertension Program is 'case management' that  engages patients in their care so they get the most benefit and avoid harmful side-effects.”  

Importantly, he noted, hypertension management requires continual attention. "Controlling blood pressure is like a dance – it takes partners to do it well and there’s a constant back and forth.”

Resources:

• "New analysis finds lower systolic blood pressure can reduce heart disease and death," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, May 31, 2017