Benefit and Harm of Intensive Blood Pressure Control by Cardiovascular Risk summary

A concise episode summarizing a post hoc analysis of the STEP trial that investigates how baseline cardiovascular risk modifies the balance of benefits and harms of intensive blood pressure control in older hypertensive adults. We cover study design, key findings (overall reduction in cardiovascular events with intensive targets, modest non-significant rise in adverse events), risk-stratified results, practical targets (110–130 mm Hg vs 130–150 mm Hg), and implications for practice in acute, critical, and chronic care—with emphasis on individualized therapy and vigilant monitoring.