Is the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) a breakthrough?

This recently published paper describes an open label, randomised controlled trial conducted at (n=102) sites in the US and Puerto Rico. The study aimed to answer the question of the optimal systolic blood pressure (SBP) strategy (target) in the prevention of cardiovascular events.

The study assessed 14 692 participants for eligibility, of which 9 361 were randomised, between November 2010 and March 2013, to either standard or intensive blood pressure lowering therapy. Standard treatment (n=4683) was defined as a target SBP of <140 mmHg, whereas intensive treatment (4 678) set an SBP of <120 mmHg.

Eligibility criteria were: 50 years or older, an SBP of between 130–180 mmHg and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Increased cardiovascular risk was defined by one or more of the following: a Framingham risk score of 15% or over in relation to a 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease; age 75 years or older; existing clinical or subclinical cardiovascular disease other than stroke; chronic kidney disease. Patients with diabetes mellitus or previous stroke were excluded.