Implications of Framingham Study Data for Treatment of Hypertension: Impact of Other Risk Factors

Abstract

The recent findings of the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program (HDFP) extend the evidence that early detection and control of hypertension can substantially reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and prolong life (1). In particular, it has now been demonstrated that treatment of even mild degrees of hypertension (i.e., 90–104 mmHg diastolic pressure) can reduce cardiovascular sequelae. Furthermore, it has been shown that more rigorous goals pay dividends in a greater reduction in mortality. This finding is quite consistent with epidemiologic data from Framingham, which have indicated a continuum of risk with a 30% increment for each 10-mmHg increase in pressure throughout the blood pressure range and including “normotensive” values (Fig. 1). This has indicated that the lower the pressure, the lower the risk, even within the borderline or normal range.