Applicability of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) to the Canadian Population

Background: The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) showed significant reductions in major cardiovascular events and allcause mortality with a systolic blood pressure (BP) goal of < 120 mm Hg compared with < 140 mm Hg. We sought to determine the proportion of Canadian adults who meet SPRINT eligibility criteria. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using cycles 1-3 of the nationally representative Canadian Health Measures Survey to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of Canadian adults between the ages of 20 and 79 who meet SPRINT eligibility criteria: age >= 50 years, elevated systolic BP of 130-180 mm Hg, and increased cardiovascular risk (with chronic kidney disease, Framingham Risk Score >= 15% in 10 years, and/or cardiovascular disease) but without diabetes, stroke, or end-stage renal disease. Results: An estimated 1.3 million (5.2%) Canadian adults met SPRINT eligibility criteria; 14.3% (95% confidence interval, 10.6%-17.9%), or 182,600 people, were not previously considered to have hypertension or need for antihypertensive therapy. Of adults aged 50-79 years treated for hypertension, 18.7% (95% confidence interval, 15.5%21.8%), or 754,400 individuals, would potentially benefit from treatment intensification. Conclusions: If fully implemented, intensive systolic BP lowering to < 120 mm Hg in SPRINT-eligible high-risk individuals would substantially increase the proportion of Canadian adults receiving BP treatment initiation or intensification.