Systolic Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Outcomes During Treatment of Hypertension

In high-risk hypertensive patients, major cardiovascular events are significantly lower in those with systolic blood pressures < 140 mm Hg and < 130 mm Hg than in those with levels > 140 mm Hg. There are stroke benefits at levels < 120 mm Hg, but they are offset by increased coronary events. Renal function is best protected in the 130 to 139 mm Hg range.