Moving the Goalposts for Blood Pressure — Time to Act

This editorial explores findings from the STEP trial conducted in China, which confirmed cardiovascular benefits of intensive systolic blood pressure targets in older adults. It critiques traditional hypertension frameworks, urging clinicians to refocus on absolute cardiovascular risk rather than arbitrary blood pressure thresholds. It calls for a shift away from viewing elevated blood pressure as a dichotomous disease and instead integrating it within broader patient risk profiles. The piece advocates for timely clinical action based on cumulative trial evidence rather than awaiting further studies, especially given the asymptomatic nature of high blood pressure and its long-term impact.

This editorial explores findings from the STEP trial conducted in China, which confirmed cardiovascular benefits of intensive systolic blood pressure targets in older adults. It critiques traditional hypertension frameworks, urging clinicians to refocus on absolute cardiovascular risk rather than arbitrary blood pressure thresholds. It calls for a shift away from viewing elevated blood pressure as a dichotomous disease and instead integrating it within broader patient risk profiles. The piece advocates for timely clinical action based on cumulative trial evidence rather than awaiting further studies, especially given the asymptomatic nature of high blood pressure and its long-term impact.