Blood pressure targets in adults with hypertension.

In 30 seconds

This publication is a protocol for a Cochrane intervention review, not a report of completed results. It sets out to assess lower blood pressure targets (≤ 135/85 mmHg) versus standard targets (≤ 140 to 160/90 to 100 mmHg) in adults aged 18 years or older with elevated blood pressure. Planned outcomes include total mortality and morbidity, achieved systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and withdrawals due to adverse events. The review also plans to examine whether effects differ across prespecified equity-related characteristics and comorbidity burden. No findings or quantitative treatment effects are reported.

Key findings

• The protocol compares a lower target of ≤ 135/85 mmHg with standard targets of ≤ 140 to 160/90 to 100 mmHg.
• Planned primary outcomes are total mortality and morbidity in adults with elevated blood pressure.
• The review will also assess achieved blood pressure, adverse-event withdrawals, and variation in effects across equity-related characteristics.

Why it matters

Blood pressure targets can shape treatment decisions, but this protocol reports no evidence about the benefits or harms of choosing a lower target. Its planned assessment of mortality, morbidity, adverse events, and differences across patient characteristics identifies clinically relevant questions for a future evidence synthesis.

What to keep in mind

This is a review protocol, so it provides no completed synthesis or results from which to estimate benefits or harms.