A Cochrane review has attempted to clarify whether ‘lower’ blood pressure targets (≤135/85mmHg) are associated with a reduction in mortality and morbidity when compared with ‘standard’ blood pressure targets (≤140–160/90–100mmHg) in people with hypertension and a history of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, peripheral vascular occlusive disease).¹

The authors note that epidemiological studies have found that for BP >115/70mmHg, the risk of cardiovascular events doubles for every 20/10mmHg rise in blood pressure.¹ Therefore, it has …