Blood pressure targets in chronic kidney disease: an update on the evidence

Purpose of review Hypertension is the leading modifiable cause of cardiovascular events and of mortality and is generally considered as a direct cause of chronic kidney disease. Defining optimal blood pressure targets in patients with chronic kidney disease is therefore of critical importance. Recent findings Over the recent years, results and post-hoc analyses of several important trials comparing blood pressure targets which included patients with chronic kidney disease have been published. Although these results provide important means to understand the consequences of high blood pressure and to improve the management of hypertension in chronic kidney disease, they led to remarkably different interpretations and recommendations in the current guidelines. The present review summarizes the current evidence and areas of controversy for the definition of blood pressure targets in patients with chronic kidney disease.