October 28.2025: How Low Should We Go? | JACC This Week

October 28.2025: How Low Should We Go? | JACC This Week

Author: American College of Cardiology October 20, 2025 Duration: 22:16

Dr. Harlan Krumholz introduces a JACC issue unified around the question of how low to target blood pressure, highlighting growing evidence that aiming near 120 mm Hg improves cardiovascular outcomes without harming quality of life. Several studies from the STEP and ESPRIT trials show that intensive blood pressure control widens retinal arterioles, lowers stroke risk, enhances well-being, and remains safe even in older adults. Long-term follow-up data demonstrate that early initiation of intensive therapy provides lasting cardiovascular protection, while new analyses using the PREVENT equations confirm that higher-risk patients gain the most absolute benefit. The issue underscores that intensive control is both safe and effective, and that the next challenge is implementing these proven strategies consistently in clinical practice.


Every week, the editors of one of the world's leading cardiology journals sit down for a conversation that goes beyond the printed page. JACC This Week, from the American College of Cardiology, brings together Editor-in-Chief Dr. Harlan Krumholz and Senior Consulting Editor Dr. Carolyn S.P. Lam. Their discussions provide essential context for the complex research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, translating high-level science into meaningful insights. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, debate emerging trends, and explore the real-world implications of the latest findings in cardiovascular medicine. This isn't just a summary of the issues; it's a dialogue about how evidence is shaping modern heart care, from prevention to advanced intervention. The podcast serves as a direct line to the experts who are curating the science that defines global standards. Each episode feels like joining an informed, behind-the-scenes editorial meeting, where the nuances of patient care and clinical practice are thoughtfully examined. For anyone invested in cardiology-whether a practicing clinician, a researcher, or a dedicated student-this regular audio companion offers clarity and a deeper understanding of the forces driving the field forward. It’s where the published data meets practical conversation, all through the accessible format of a weekly podcast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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