Lower Blood Pressure, Lower Death Risk in Older Adults
A recent study suggests that more aggressively reducing blood pressure in elderly adults with hypertension can reduce cardiovascular risk. Investigators analyzed data on 1,593 people, ages 80 and older, who were on antihypertensive therapy. Of this group, 1,295 died (about half due to cardiovascular disease) during an average 6.7-year follow-up period. Those who achieved a systolic blood pressure below 130 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) were 26% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those whose systolic pressure was 130 to 160 mmHg, the study found. The researchers noted that a significantly lower risk of death from CVD occurred at systolic pressures below 130.8 mmHg, while significantly greater risk began at systolic pressures above 145 mmHg (Journal of the American College of Cardiology, April 8, 2025).
