Defining blood pressure goals: is it enough to manage total cardiovascular risk?

It is well established that lowering blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension is associated with cardiovascular protection. Therefore, BP goals have been defined by international hypertension guidelines (<140/90 mmHg; <130/80 mmHg for patients with type 2 diabetes). However, the relationship of BP with prognosis is complex, and controlling office BP may not be enough to optimally manage total cardiovascular risk. It is becoming clear that out-of-office BP measurements have important prognostic value. In the observational Pressioni Arteriose Monitorate E Loro Associazioni study, the risk of cardiovascular death over 11 years was progressively higher with 10-mmHg increases in office, home, or ambulatory BPs. Smooth control of 24-h BP may be of even greater importance, as the early morning BP surge, nighttime BP, and BP variability are associated with significant risk. A further consideration in managing total cardiovascular risk is the need for multiple antihypertensive agents to control BP.