A recurring question: in the management of BP, how low should we go? This week, Paxton and Kieran discuss two studies that aim to refine the answer.
The appropriate treatment target for systolic blood pressure in elderly patients with hypertension is uncertain, particularly for the frail elderly. Kieran leads the discussion on the SPRINT 75 trial, which evaluated the effects of intensive (<120mm Hg) compared with standard (<140 mmHg) systolic blood pressure targets in adults over the age of 75.
What is the J-curve phenomenon? Paxton takes listeners through a discussion on cardiovascular event rates and mortality according to achieved blood pressure in patients with stable coronary artery disease. The study helps CLARIFY the SPRINT 75 trial, and provides listeners with a real world perspective.
Finally, the Good Stuff segment! How effective is the Fitbit as a tool to help patients lose weight? And, are we approaching “the law of diminishing returns” – the end of a trend in living longer, healthier, lives? Tune in to find out!
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The Papers
1. SPRINT 75: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2524266
2. CLARIFY: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)31326-5/abstract
Good Stuff
2. The “law of diminishing returns”: http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/09/23/495050891/are-we-reaching-the-end-of-the-trend-for-longer-healthier-lives?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=health
Music Credits (Creative Commons)
In your Robotic Heart – Nicolai Heidlas https://soundcloud.com/nicolai-heidlas/in-your-robotic-heart
Drive – Nicolai Heidlas https://soundcloud.com/nicolai-heidlas/drive-fresh-upbeat-pop-background-music
Vintage Dream – Nicolai Heidlas https://soundcloud.com/nicolai-heidlas/vintage-dream-loungejazzy-background-music
All tracks have been modified for the purposes of this podcast.
