High blood pressure is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, so treating it is an important strategy for preventing heart attack and stroke. The target for individuals taking medication for high blood pressure is generally less than 130/80 mmHg. But there is little data on whether or not this target is appropriate for individuals 80 and older.
Researchers analyzed U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 1988 to 2014 and compared it to the National Death Index up to the end of 2019. Of the 1,593 adults (949 women) aged 80 years and older who reported taking blood pressure medication, 596 died of cardiovascular disease in the study period. Blood pressure control that kept systolic blood pressure (the top number) to 130.8 mmHg or below was associated with significantly fewer deaths compared to higher systolic blood pressure.
While treatment for high blood pressure should be individualized to meet the needs of the patient, tight blood pressure control may lower risk for death from cardiovascular disease—in all age groups.