The impact of intensive blood pressure management on cardiovascular events and mortality rates can vary significantly based on an individual’s level of educational attainment, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences and University of Texas at Tyler.
Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study delved into the data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), a comprehensive randomized controlled trial initiated in 2010. The trial compared the outcomes of more aggressive blood pressure management to the standard care protocol at the time. The results of SPRINT showcased a remarkable 25% reduction in cardiovascular events and a 27% decrease in mortality rates by lowering systolic blood pressure to 120, as opposed to the previously recommended 140.
In the recent study, the researchers focused on the SPRINT cohort comprising over 9,000 hypertensive adults aged 50 and above. They categorized the participants based on their educational background and analyzed the outcomes within each subgroup. Surprisingly, the study revealed that while blood pressure control was consistent across all educational levels during the follow-up period, the benefits of intensive systolic blood pressure control were predominantly observed in individuals with higher educational attainment.
Participants with the highest level of educational attainment experienced a substantial two-fold reduction in cardiovascular risk with intensive systolic blood pressure control. Conversely, those within the lower education categories did not exhibit significant benefits from the intervention. Dr. Jared W. Magnani, a UPMC cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at Pitt, highlighted the need for further exploration of social and structural factors that may influence cardiovascular risk beyond pharmacological management.
The findings suggest that additional social determinants and structural factors may play a crucial role in cardiovascular health outcomes, irrespective of educational attainment. Further research focusing on these social factors could provide valuable insights into enhancing heart health strategies for all individuals, regardless of their educational background.
For more information on this study, readers can refer to the article “Educational Attainment and the Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SPRINT Study” published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. This research sheds light on the intricate relationship between educational attainment, blood pressure management, and cardiovascular health.
This article was provided by the University of Pittsburgh, and readers can access additional resources on their official website for more details.
