The optimal blood pressure target in old and very old patients with hypertension

Journal article

Background: With the rise in older population globally, the optimal blood pressure (BP) target for antihypertensive therapy in those aged 60 and above remains to be evaluated in the real-world practice. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of standard versus lower BP targets in old (aged 60–79) and very old (aged ≥80) patients with hypertension in real-world clinical settings. Methods: We emulated a target trial using electronic medical records from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, including patients aged 60 years or above with a diagnosis of hypertension, uncontrolled BP and records of antihypertensives adjustments from 2008 to 2013. Patients were first categorized into 3 age groups (60–69, 70–79, ≥ 80) and then assigned to BP targets of either 130–140/80–90 mmHg or below 130/80 mmHg. Outcomes included major cardiovascular disease (CVD), end-stage renal disease, all-cause mortality and major adverse events related to antihypertensive treatment. Results: Of 132 430 eligible patients identified, 52 553, 28 661 and 7106 patients aged 60–69, 70–79 and ≥ 80 years had BP targets of 130–140/80–90 mmHg, respectively; 11 148, 5636 and 1203 of patients in the same age groups had targets below 130/80 mmHg. Lower BP target was associated with reduced overall CVD and all-cause mortality: aged 60–69 years (CVD HR: 0.91 [95% CI, 0.85–0.96]; all-cause mortality: 0.89 [0.81–0.98]), aged 70–79 years (CVD: 0.87 [0.82–0.93]; all-cause mortality: 0.84 [0.78–0.91]), and aged≥80 years (CVD: 0.77 [0.69–0.86]; all-cause mortality: 0.80 [0.72–0.89]). No significant increase in major adverse events was observed in any age group. Results were consistent across all subgroups. Conclusion: Lowering BP of below 130/80 mmHg in old and very old patients was associated with better cardiovascular and mortality outcomes without increased adverse events. These findings suggest that a lower BP target may be beneficial and safe for older patients with hypertension.

Authors: Zhang, R; Lam, ICH; Liu, X; Sun, F; Zhan, S

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Journal: Age and Ageing
• Volume: 55
• Issue: 6
• Article number: afag167
• Publication date: 2026-06-08
• Acceptance date: 2026-04-20
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afag167
• EISSN: 1468-2834
• ISSN: 0002-0729
• Language: English
• Keywords: blood pressure; antihypertension management; older patients; hypertension