Interpreting SPRINT: How low should you go?

Abstract

The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) found evidence of cardiovascular benefit with intensive lowering of systolic blood pressure (goal < 120 mm Hg) compared with the currently recommended goal ( < 140 mm Hg) in older patients with cardiovascular risk but without diabetes or stroke. This article reviews the trial design and protocol, summarizes the results, and briefly discusses the implications of these results.