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A landmark study published recently challenged the blood pressure knowledge of years, revealing the pros and cons of its aggressive treatment. The study has been ongoing for a while and was stopped in September, two years before its schedule, when it became apparent that low blood pressure for people over 50-years can actually help in prevention of heart problems. However, the other key details along with side effects have not yet been disclosed. Results of the findings were revealed at an American Heart Association Conference that was held in Orlando and was also published online by New England Journal of Medicine. The lead author of the paper, Dr. Paul Whelton of Tulane University said, "Overall, we deemed that the benefits far outweigh the risks" of aiming lower", says NBC news

For the purpose of study, 9300 people were enrolled, first half got the medicines to lower their blood pressure below 140 and the other half got three drugs to bring it down under 120. After 1 year of study, 1.65% of the lower pressure group suffered from a massive heart attack compared to the 2.2% witnessing 25% lower risk, reports Fox News.

The side effects show that when the blood pressure was too low, fainting and other kidney problems were higher for the lower pressure group by 1-2%. However, falls causing injury was not that common as was feared for the people in old age groups. The current guidelines suggest that the blood pressure should be maintained between 130 and 150. However, Dr. James Stein, head of high blood pressure program at the University of Wisconsin suggests that the recommendation needs to be reevaluated. He said the study 'makes sense and is a major advance', and added, it's 'time to fix the guidelines' reports Daily Mail.