What evidence is there that controlling hypertension can reduce the risk of developing heart failure?
There is evidence that the initiation of antihypertensive treatment for the above thresholds is associated with a reduction of HF and other cardiovascular events and overall mortality among hypertensive adults 30 years of age in the general population or in hypertensive patients 18 years of age with chronic kidney disease or diabetes mellitus.7 Similar targets were quoted in the 2002 AHA Guidelines for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke, which identified a general goal of <140/90 mmHg for the treatment of hypertension in HF.9 Ongoing trials are intended to specifically address the question of goal BP reduction, and a new ACCF/AHA Guideline Writing Committee has been convened to address the management of hypertension.