How We Got Where We Are in Blood Pressure Targets

While we started clinical trials evaluating the benefit of lowering systolic BP’s >160 mm Hg and diastolic BPs of <130 mm Hg, the latest guideline suggests a target of <130/80 mm Hg in those with hypertension. This article summarizes exactly how we got to where we are looking over the last half-century. Our understanding of systolic and diastolic blood pressure targets to improve cardiovascular outcomes has changed substantially over the past 5...