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What is the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program? Understanding the SHEP Trial

In 1991, the results of the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP) were published, conclusively proving that antihypertensive drug therapy benefits older individuals with isolated systolic hypertension, a condition once considered benign. The multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial challenged previous medical beliefs by demonstrating that lowering blood pressure could significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.