Both Systolic and Diastolic BP Affect CV Outcomes

By the Editors

Elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements independently predict risk for adverse cardiovascular events, according to a retrospective study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Roughly 1.3 million adults had their blood pressure taken on at least three separate occasions (median number of measurements, 22). Systolic hypertension (at least 140 mm Hg) and diastolic hypertension (at least 90 mm Hg) were each associated with increased risk for a composite of myocardial infarction and stroke over 8 years, but systolic BP had a greater effect. The risk was still elevated when a threshold of 130/80 mm Hg or higher was used.

To read Dr. Allan Brett's and Dr. Harlan Krumholz's perspectives on this study, click on the NEJM Journal Watch General Medicine link below.