Intensive blood pressure control may lower risk of cognitive problems
Research we're watching
- Reviewed by Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
The study included 7,221 people ages 50 and older who were part of an earlier, larger trial of participants who were randomly assigned to receive either standard or intensive blood pressure treatment: a systolic blood pressure goal of less than 140 or less than 120 points, respectively. (Systolic blood pressure refers to the first number in a blood pressure measurement.) The trial was stopped early, after 3.3 years, because of the clear benefit of intensive treatment for reducing heart disease.
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About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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