Impact of Blood Pressure Control on Heart Health Differs by Educational Level

The relationship between blood pressure management and cardiovascular health outcomes shows significant variability based on individuals' levels of educational attainment, according to new research conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences in collaboration with the University of Texas at Tyler.

This study, recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, utilized data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), a comprehensive randomized controlled trial initiated in 2010. The trial compared aggressive blood pressure management strategies against standard care. Findings from SPRINT indicated that lowering systolic blood pressure to 120 mm Hg, in contrast to the previously recommended 140 mm Hg, resulted in a 25% reduction in cardiovascular events and a 27% decrease in mortality rates, leading to updates in clinical guidelines in 2017.

In the current analysis, researchers focused on over 9,000 hypertensive participants aged 50 and older from the SPRINT cohort, categorizing them by their educational backgrounds. The study aimed to compare health outcomes among different educational groups, which included individuals with no college education, those with some college education up to a degree, and individuals with education beyond a college degree.

While blood pressure control levels remained consistent across all educational categories, the outcomes revealed stark differences. Participants with the highest educational attainment experienced a twofold reduction in cardiovascular risk when subjected to intensive systolic blood pressure management. Conversely, individuals in the lower educational categories did not exhibit significant health benefits from the same management approach.

Dr. Jared W. Magnani, a cardiologist at UPMC and associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, noted the findings suggest that factors beyond pharmacological management--likely rooted in social and structural determinants--play a crucial role in cardiovascular risk. He emphasized the need for further investigation into social influences that could enhance heart health irrespective of educational background.

This research underscores the importance of considering educational and social factors in cardiovascular health strategies and suggests that more tailored approaches may be necessary to improve outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their educational status.

For further details, refer to the original study by Joshua Garfein et al., titled 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.