Taming Hypertension to Prevent Aortic Dissection

The notion of normal is inherently subjective. What is normal? A newly published editorial by Professor Christoph Nienaber argues that the new evidence calls for rethinking what constitutes “normal” blood pressure, because risk rises even at the upper end of the accepted range. The authors emphasise that keeping pressure as low as is safely possible may substantially reduce the likelihood of dissection, and that this principle appears consistent across populations and is supported by major trials. They call for a shift in practice towards more stringent, lifelong management of blood pressure.