Does lowering diastolic BP to less than 90 mm Hg decrease cardiovascular risk?

Abstract

Although lowering diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is associated with reduced cardiovascular events, systolic blood pressure (SBP) is a more robust predictor of cardiovascular risk than DBP and should now be used to diagnose, stage, and treat hypertension. Lowering diastolic blood pressure (DBP) to <90 mm Hg in hypertensive individuals of all ages decreases the risk of cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure, and sudden death (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on systematic review of randomized controlled trials). However, there is no consensus regarding how far to lower DBP. A "J-shaped" increase in cardiovascular risks with DBP <85 mm Hg may apply under certain conditions.