Intensive Blood Pressure Treatment Reduces Cardiovascular Risk for People with Type 2 Diabetes

Reducing Blood Pressure Could Significantly Reduce Cardiovascular Risk for People with Type 2 Diabetes

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that reducing blood pressure could significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events for people with type 2 diabetes. The study, led by a researcher at UT Southwestern Medical Center, found that intensive blood pressure treatment further reduced cardiovascular disease by 21% compared to standard treatment.

People with diabetes and high blood pressure are at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. While your GP is best placed to advise on keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range, the target is usually below 140/90mmHg for people with diabetes or below 150/90mmHg if you are aged 80 years or above.

a standard goal of less than 140 and an intensive goal of less than 120.

At a one-year follow-up, the standard-target group had an average systolic blood pressure of 133.2, while the intensive-target group had an average systolic blood pressure of 121.6. At a four-year follow-up, the intensive blood pressure treatment further reduced cardiovascular disease by 21% compared to standard treatment.

While the groups had similar numbers of serious adverse events, the intensive-target group did have more incidences of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in your blood) and hypotension (low blood pressure). If you have any concerns about your health, speak to your GP.