Overview

• The calculator draws on nearly 500 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving over 100,000 participants to predict average systolic reductions for specific drugs and combinations.
• It groups regimens into low, moderate, and high intensity to help clinicians select therapies aligned to the reduction a patient requires.
• The meta-analysis indicates a single medication lowers systolic pressure by about 8–9 mmHg, whereas many patients need 15–30 mmHg to reach guideline targets.
• Authors argue clinic readings are too variable to reliably gauge response, citing moment-to-moment and seasonal fluctuations and imperfect measurement practices.
• The study notes each 1 mmHg drop cuts heart attack and stroke risk by roughly 2%, and the team has made the tool publicly available at bpmodel.org as they prepare prospective trials.