Randomised Trial Subgroup Analysis • 2016 • Williamson and colleagues; JAMA
Research Summary
This SPRINT analysis examined intensive versus standard blood pressure treatment in participants aged 75 and older. It found fewer major cardiovascular events and deaths in the intensive-treatment group within the trial’s selected population. The study matters because older age alone does not make blood pressure management unimportant. However, its eligibility criteria, measurement procedures and clinical follow-up are essential to interpretation. Participants did not represent every older person, and the results should not be transferred automatically to people with diabetes, previous stroke, substantial frailty or circumstances excluded from the trial. Blood pressure targets also involve potential harms and treatment burden, not benefits alone. This is a clinical management study, not a basis for an app to adjust medication or prescribe a universal target. Its strongest programme relevance is the value of meaningful measurement and professional follow-up.
Evidence and limitations: Randomised evidence in selected ambulatory adults; individual targets vary
Catalogue reference: KL-029. Source reviewed: 27 September 2026. This summary is independent of the publisher.