What are the effects of intensive blood pressure lowering on cardiovascular and renal outcomes?
A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by Xie et al. in 2016 concluded that intensive blood pressure lowering had beneficial effects on cardiovascular and renal outcomes compared with standard blood pressure lowering, with a reduction in the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The authors also noted that there were significant reductions in all-cause mortality, as well as cardiovascular and renal mortality associated with intensive blood pressure lowering. Additionally, the risk of heart failure was found to be reduced with intensive blood pressure lowering. In conclusion, intensive blood pressure lowering was found to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular and renal outcomes compared with standard blood pressure lowering.  