Novel score predicts benefits of blood pressure-lowering drugs in elderly patients
Researchers have developed a new scoring system that can help identify which elderly patients with high blood pressure are most likely to benefit from treatment with blood pressure-lowering drugs. The score, known as the SPRINT-BP score, takes into account factors such as age, sex, and previous cardiovascular events to determine a patient’s risk of cardiovascular disease. The study, which was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2021, found that patients with higher SPRINT-BP scores were more likely to benefit from intensive blood pressure-lowering treatment, while those with lower scores may not experience significant benefits and may be at risk of adverse effects. This new tool may help physicians personalize treatment plans for elderly patients with hypertension.