Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment on Retinal Microvasculature: Secondary Analysis From ESPRIT
Primary result · Arteriole-venule ratioResult — go to the resultβ 0.16 95% CI 0.05–0.28Authors' conclusion
Among hypertensive patients with high cardiovascular risk, lowering systolic blood pressure with a target of <120 mm Hg compared with <140 mm Hg has a favorable impact on retinal microvasculature
Study context
- Population
- Adults aged ≥50 years with high CV risk, China
- Participants
- 555 vs 526
- Comparison
- Intensive vs standard SBP lowering
- Intensiven = 555
- Standardn = 526reference
- Primary endpoint
- Arteriole-venule ratio (retinal arteriolar caliber)
- Follow-up
- 3-year follow-up
Methodological detailsmulticentre, 116 sites in China, subgroup at 17 sites
- Multicentre
- 116 sites in China
- Subgroup at 17 sites
Primary result
Arteriole-venule ratio
β
0.16
95% CI 0.05–0.28
P = 0.005
As reported in the abstract
Further findings
| Outcome | β (95% CI) | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Central retinal arteriole equivalent | 0.14 (0.02–0.25) | P = 0.02 |
Venular caliber
- No significant results
Arteriole-venule ratio by subgroup
- No heterogeneity across subgroups
Arteriolar complexity, arteriolar density, vessel tortuosity
- Intensive: increased arteriolar complexity and density, reduced vessel tortuosity vs Standard
Original publication
Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment on Retinal Microvasculature: Secondary Analysis From ESPRIT. J Am Coll Cardiol. Published 17 October 2025. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it