Primary HypertensionSTEPNCT03015311
Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients
A study of Primary Hypertension, run by Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuwai Hospital at 42 sites in China.
Trial summary
The Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients (STEP) is a 2-arm, multi-center, prospective, randomized, open-labeled, blinded-endpoint trial. The purpose of this trial is to test whether a treatment program aimed at reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) to a lower goal (<130 mmHg… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Primary Hypertension
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 8,000 participants
- Where
- 42 sitesChina
- Study dates
- 15 Jan 2017to 31 Dec 2021
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 60 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Systolic BP between 140-190 mm Hg in the three screening visits or currently under anti-hypertension treatment;
- An age of 60 - 80 years old;
- Signed the written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Systolic BP≥190 mm Hg, or diastolic BP <60 mm Hg;
- Known secondary cause of hypertension;
- History of large atherosclerotic cerebral infarction or hemorrhagic stroke (not lacunar infarction and transient ischemic attack [TIA]);
- Hospitalization for myocardial infarction or unstable angina within the previous 6 months;
- Coronary revascularization (PCI or CABG) within the previous 12 months;
- Planned to perform coronary revascularization (PCI or CABG) in the future 12 months;
Show all 15Show fewer
- History of sustained atrial fibrillation or Ventricular arrhythmias at entry influencing the measurement of electronic blood pressure;
- NYHA class III-IV heart failure at entry or hospitalization for exacerbation of chronic heart failure within the previous 6 months;
- Severe valvular disease or valvular disease likely to require surgery or percutaneous valve replacement during the trial;
- Dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, rheumatic heart disease, or congenital heart disease;
- Uncontrolled diabetes (serum fasting glucose ≥200 mg/dl [11.1 mmol/L], HbA1>8%);
- Lab tests indicating abnormal liver or kidney function (ALT more than 3 times the upper limit of normal value, or end stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis, or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min, or serum creatine >2.5 mg/dl [>221 umol/L];
- Severe somatic disease such as cancer;
- Severe cognitive impairment or mental disorders;
- Participating in other clinical trials.
Trial locations and contacts
42 sites in 1 country.
42 sites in 1 country
China42 sites
The Second Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College
Baotou, Inner Mongolia, 014030
Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated to Capical Medical University
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100020
Bei Jing Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100037
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, FuWai Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100037
Xuanwu hospital of capital medical university
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100053
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100730
Beijing Pinggu Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality
Benxi Railway Hospital
Benxi, Liaoning, 117000
West China Hospital, Sichuan University
Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041
The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University
Dalian, Liaoning
Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute
Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080
First affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University
Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001
Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital
Huizhou, Guangdong, 516001
Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
Jinan, Shandong, 250012
Jining First People's Hospital
Jining, Shandong, 272011
Yan'an Hospital affiliated to kunming medical university, Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital
Kunming, Yunnan, 650051
The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University
Kunming, Yunnan, 650101
The First Hospital of Kunming
Kunming, Yunnan
Lanzhou University Second Hospital
Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030
the Second Affiliated Hospitalof NanChang University
Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006
The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University
Nanning, Guangxi, 530021
The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine
Nanning, Guangxi, 530023
Shanghai general hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200080
The Second Affiliated Hospital to Medical College Shantou University Guangdong
Shantou, Guangdong, 515041
Shenzhen Sun Yat-sen Cardiovascular Hospital
Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518001
Hong xinglong center hospital
Shuangyashan, Heilongjiang
College of Medicine , National Taiwan University
Taibei, Taiwan
First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University
Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001
Shanxi caidiovascular hospital
Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030024
Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Dayi Hospital
Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030032
Kailua General Hospital
Tangshan, Hebei, 063000
Pingjin Hospital, Logistics University of PAPF
Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality, 300162
the People's Hospital of Ji Xian Distric
Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality
First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University
Ürümqi, Xinjiang, 830054
Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University
Wuhan, Hubei, 430060
First Affiliated Hospital, Xian Jiaotong University
Xi’an, Shanxi, 710061
The First People's Hospital of Yinchuan
Yinchuan, Ningxia
Kang Ya Hospita
Yiyang, Hunan, 413000
The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University
Zhangjiakou, Hebei, 075000
First Affiliated Hospitalof Zhengzhou University
Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000
Zhenjiang First People's Hospital
Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212002
Zhoukou City Central Hospital
Zhoukou, Henan, 466000
About this study
Official title: Strategy of Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients: A Prospective Randomized Open-Label Blinded-Endpoint Trial
The Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients (STEP) is a 2-arm, multi-center, prospective, randomized, open-labeled, blinded-endpoint trial. The purpose of this trial is to test whether a treatment program aimed at reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) to a lower goal (<130 mmHg, intensive treatment) than currently recommended (<150 mmHg, standard treatment) will reduce CVD risk among persons between 60-80 years of old. Furthermore, this trial will also examine the effect of blood pressure APP management strategy via WeChat network on medication compliance, blood pressure control and CVD benefits.
Read the detailed description
Hypertension is highly prevalent in the adult population in China, and its burden is rapidly increasing among persons older than 60 years of age. Elevated blood pressure (BP) is an important public health concern which contributes to several adverse health outcomes, especially coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and decline in cognitive function. Clinical trials have shown that a lower systolic blood pressure goal will lead to greater reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence, but the effect of intensive treatment of systolic blood pressure below 120 mm Hg in reducing of CVD risk has long been debated. In particularly, among the elderly hypertensive patients aged 60 years or older, the most appropriate targets for blood pressure lowering to reduce cardiovascular events still remain uncertain.
The STEP trial will randomize about 8000 participants aged between 60 and 80 years with SBP≥140 mm Hg and <190 mm Hg, and without a history of atherothrombotic or hemorrhagic stroke. Target SBP goals are 110-130 vs 130-150 mm Hg, respectively. The purpose of the STEP trial is to test whether a treatment program aimed at reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) to a lower goal (<130 mmHg, intensive treatment) than currently recommended (<150 mmHg, standard treatment) will reduce CVD risk among hypertensive patients between 60-80 years. Participants will be recruited at approximately 40 clinic centers in China within approximately a 1-year period, and will be followed for 4 years. Furthermore, this trial will also examine the effect of blood pressure APP management strategy via WeChat network on medication compliance, blood pressure control and CVD benefits.
- Conditions
- Primary Hypertension
- Being tested
- Intensive BP control, Standard BP control
- Keywords
- Blood pressure control
- Medical subject headings
- Essential Hypertension
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Intensive BP controlDrug
Also called Lower target for reducing SBP
For all participants, Olmesartan Medoxomil tablets or Amlodipine Besylate tablets will be used as an initial therapy. Other drugs, including hydrochlorothiazide and β-blockers, are allowed, in order to achieve the SBP target. If the target BP level is not achieved during the Follow-up periods, adjustment of drug type and dosage will be carried out according to procedures defined in the protocol.
Standard BP controlDrug
Also called Standard target for reducing SBP
For all participants, Olmesartan Medoxomil tablets or Amlodipine Besylate tablets will be used as an initial therapy. Other drugs, including hydrochlorothiazide and β-blockers, are allowed, in order to achieve the SBP target. If the target BP level is not achieved during the Follow-up periods, adjustment of drug type and dosage will be carried out according to procedures defined in the protocol.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive BP control | Experimental | SBP within 110 - <130 mm Hg. Participants randomized into the Intensive BP control arm will have a goal of SBP 110 - <130 mm Hg. Receives: Drug: Intensive BP control |
| Standard BP control | Active comparator | SBP within 130 - <150 mm Hg. Participants randomized into the Intensive BP control arm will have a goal of SBP 130 - <150 mm Hg. Receives: Drug: Standard BP control |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Primary composite outcome
A composite end-point comprised of acute coronary syndrome (myocardial infarction and hospitalization for unstable angina), first occurrence of symptomatic stroke ( ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke), hospitalization for decompensated heart failure, coronary revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]), atrial fibrillation, and death from cardiovascular causes.
Measured: 4 years
Secondary outcomes (12)
Composite of major adverse cardiac events (primary outcome without stroke)
Composite of major adverse cardiac events comprised of acute coronary syndrome (myocardial infarction and hospitalization for unstable angina), hospitalization for decompensated heart failure, coronary revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]), atrial fibrillation, and death from cardiovascular causes.
Measured: 4 years
First occurrence of symptomatic stroke ( ischemic or hemorrhagic)
Stroke is defined as a rapid onset of focal (or global) disturbance of cerebral function lasting more than 24 hours (except interrupted by surgery or death) without resolution of symptoms according to the World Health Organization. The diagnosis of stroke is confirmed by strict neurological examination, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and stroke subtypes are classified including ischemic or hemorrhagic, fatal or not fatal.
Measured: 4 years
Acute coronary syndrome
Acute coronary syndrome includes myocardial infarction and hospitalization for unstable angina. The diagnosis of MI is based on the following criteria: (1) Patient has cardiac signs and symptoms, such as retrosternal pain last for at least 30 minutes, and not relieve to nitroglycerine during the attack; (2) Electrocardiographic abnormal findings of MI are observed; (3) Biochemical markers of cardiac damage are present.
The diagnosis of unstable angina requires hospitalization for evaluation. The clinical presentation of unstable angina includes: (1) prolonged (>20 min) angina pain at rest; (2) new onset angina; (3) post-MI angina; (4) recent destabilization of previously stable angina with at least Canadian Cardiovascular Society Class III angina characteristics.
Measured: 4 years
Hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure
Diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure requires a hospitalization or emergency department visit which provides an infusion therapy for clinical signs and symptoms consistent with cardiac decompensation or inadequate cardiac pump function, such as increasing or new onset shortness of breath, peripheral edema, paroxysmal dyspnea, orthopnea, or hypoxia.
Measured: 4 years
coronary revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG])
Patients are treated with coronary revascularization by either PCI or CABG due to acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD).
Measured: 4 years
Atrial fibrillation
Diagnosis of AF requires rhythm evidence of an ECG showing the typical pattern including absolutely irregular RR intervals and no discernible, distinct P waves.
Measured: 4 years
Cardiovascular death
Cardiovascular death includes fatal coronary heart disease, fatal stroke, death from heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.
Measured: 4 years
All-cause death
All-cause death includes death due to any reasons during the trial. Evidence for death includes death certificates from hospitals or reports of home visit from investigators.
Measured: 4 years
First occurrence of diabetes mellitus
Diagnosis of incident diabetes mellitus includes the following criteria: (1) Fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl (≥ 7.0 mmol/dl); or (2) Oral glucose tolerance test 2-hour glucose in venous plasma ≥ 200 mg/dl (≥ 11.1 mmol/l); or (3) In a patient with classic symptoms of hyperglycemia or hyperglycemic crisis, a random plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dl (≥ 11.1 mmol/l); or (4) Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol).
Measured: 4 years
Decline in cognitive function
Decline in cognitive function includes sensory disturbance, memory disorders and thinking disorders, which is assessed by mini-mental state examination (MMSE)
Measured: 4 years
Decline in renal function or development of end stage renal disease (ESRD)
Decline in renal function is assessed by any of the following: (1) For patients with chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 ml per minute per 1.73 m2) at baseline, the renal outcome was a composite of a decrease in the eGFR of 50% or more (confirmed by a subsequent laboratory test) or the development of ESRD requiring long-term dialysis or kidney transplantation; or (2) For participants without chronic kidney disease at baseline, the renal outcome was defined by a decrease in the eGFR of 30% or more to a value of less than 60 ml per minute per 1.73 m2.
Measured: 4 years
Major artery stiffness
Major artery stiffness are assessed by a composite of decrease in the ankle brachial index [ABI], brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV), or brachial artery flow-mediated dilation [FMD].
ABI and baPWV,well-established non-invasive techniques for evaluating obstruction and stiffness of peripheral artery respectively, are considered for the purposes of cardiovascular risk assessment. ABI is the ratio of the average systolic blood pressure measured in brachial/ankle, and an ABI between and including 0.9 and 1.2 is considered normal, while a lesser than 0.9 indicates arterial disease. The unit measure of baPWV value is cm per second.
FMD serves as an index of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilator function in humans and is regarded as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular disease.
Measured: 4 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Jan 2017 (estimated)
- Study start15 Jan 2017
- Primary completion31 Dec 2020
- Study completion31 Dec 2021 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (34)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Primary HypertensionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuwai HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 8,000 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Jun Cai, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuwai Hospital
- Investigators
- Jun Cai, MD, Study director, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuwai Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03015311
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2016CXGC07
- Other IDs
- 2016-I2M-1-006
- Acronym
- STEP
- Status last verified
- Jul 2021
- First submitted
- 2 Jan 2017
- Last updated
- 28 Jul 2021
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Within 3 years after the trial complete
Publications
Wang Y, Peng X, Nie X, Chen L, Weldon R, Zhang W, Xiao D, Cai J. Burden of hypertension in China over the past decades: Systematic analysis of prevalence, treatment and control of hypertension. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2016 May;23(8):792-800. doi: 10.1177/2047487315617105. Epub 2015 Nov 24.
PubMed 26603746SPRINT Research Group; Wright JT Jr, Williamson JD, Whelton PK, Snyder JK, Sink KM, Rocco MV, Reboussin DM, Rahman M, Oparil S, Lewis CE, Kimmel PL, Johnson KC, Goff DC Jr, Fine LJ, Cutler JA, Cushman WC, Cheung AK, Ambrosius WT. A Randomized Trial of Intensive versus Standard Blood-Pressure Control. N Engl J Med. 2015 Nov 26;373(22):2103-16. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1511939. Epub 2015 Nov 9.
PubMed 26551272ACCORD Study Group; Cushman WC, Evans GW, Byington RP, Goff DC Jr, Grimm RH Jr, Cutler JA, Simons-Morton DG, Basile JN, Corson MA, Probstfield JL, Katz L, Peterson KA, Friedewald WT, Buse JB, Bigger JT, Gerstein HC, Ismail-Beigi F. Effects of intensive blood-pressure control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. N Engl J Med. 2010 Apr 29;362(17):1575-85. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1001286. Epub 2010 Mar 14.
PubMed 20228401Probstfield JL, Applegate WB, Borhani NO, Curb JD, Cutler JA, Davis BR, Furberg CD, Hawkins CM, Lakatos E, Page LB, et al. The Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP): an intervention trial on isolated systolic hypertension. SHEP Cooperative Research Group. Clin Exp Hypertens A. 1989;11(5-6):973-89. doi: 10.3109/10641968909035386.
PubMed 2676266JATOS Study Group. Principal results of the Japanese trial to assess optimal systolic blood pressure in elderly hypertensive patients (JATOS). Hypertens Res. 2008 Dec;31(12):2115-27. doi: 10.1291/hypres.31.2115.
PubMed 19139601Zhuang M, Peng X, Song Q, Bai J, Yu M, Cai J. Systolic blood pressure time-in-target range and kidney outcomes in patients with hypertension: Findings from the STEP trial. Chin Med J (Engl). 2026 Jun 20;139(12):1821-1828. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000004118. Epub 2026 May 8.
PubMed 42104210Chen S, Ji Y, Yang R, Peng X, Bai J, Fan X, Song Q, Cai J. Influence of Baseline Smoking Status on Intensive Blood Pressure Control: Results From the STEP Randomized Trial. Can J Cardiol. 2026 Apr 21:S0828-282X(26)00361-2. doi: 10.1016/j.cjca.2026.04.005. Online ahead of print.
PubMed 42025692Ling Q, Deng Y, Dong X, Song Q, Cai J. Effect of Hypertension Duration on the Associations Between Intensive Blood Pressure Control and Cardiac, Vascular, and Kidney Organ Damage. J Am Heart Assoc. 2026 Mar 17;15(6):e041556. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.125.041556. Epub 2026 Mar 13.
PubMed 41823241Song Q, Peng X, Bai J, Yang R, Ling Q, Chen S, Ji Y, Dong X, Wang X, Wu S, Wang TD, Yu X, Liu H, Ren J, Zhou X, Chen R, Yang L, Yang J, Tian G, Zhang H, Zhao D, Chen F, Li D, Yu J, Zhang J, Yang Z, Zhang W, Cai J. Intensive Blood Pressure Control in Older Patients With Hypertension: 6-Year Results of the STEP Trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025 Oct 28;86(17):1421-1433. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2025.06.045. Epub 2025 Oct 17.
PubMed 41105077Ji Y, Peng X, Chen S, Song Q, Bai J, Cai J. Evening home pulse pressure predicted cardiovascular events and mortality in older adults with hypertension: findings based on the STEP trial. Hypertens Res. 2025 Nov;48(11):2801-2810. doi: 10.1038/s41440-025-02349-y. Epub 2025 Aug 26.
PubMed 40858751Dong X, Bai J, Ling Q, Zhao X, Cai J. Effect of intensive blood pressure control in patients with resistant hypertension: insights from the STEP trial. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2026 May 15;33(7):1218-1226. doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf507.
PubMed 40796327Peng X, Olsen MH, Pareek M, Bai J, Liu Y, Song Q, Cai J. Impact of antihypertensive drug classes on cardiovascular outcomes: insights from the STEP study. BMC Med. 2025 Jul 1;23(1):365. doi: 10.1186/s12916-025-04158-z.
PubMed 40598287Ling Q, Dong X, Bai J, Deng Y, Song Q, Cai J. Impact of Hypertension Duration on the Cardiovascular Benefit of Intensive Blood Pressure Control. Hypertension. 2024 Sep;81(9):1945-1955. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.23439. Epub 2024 Jul 17.
PubMed 39016010Zhang K, Song Q, Bai J, Cai J. Association of intensive blood pressure management with cardiovascular outcomes in patients using multiple classes of antihypertensive medications: a post-hoc analysis of the STEP Trial. Hypertens Res. 2024 Jul;47(7):1779-1788. doi: 10.1038/s41440-024-01647-1. Epub 2024 Apr 10.
PubMed 38600278Zhao S, Deng Y, Wang Y, Yu S, Han J, Cai J, Zhang Y. Incidence and prognosis of cardiac conduction system diseases in hypertension: the STEP trial. Nat Aging. 2024 Apr;4(4):483-490. doi: 10.1038/s43587-024-00591-6. Epub 2024 Mar 21.
PubMed 38514823
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Jul 2021. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Strategy of Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients: A Prospective Randomized Open-Label Blinded-Endpoint Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03015311
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- STEP / 2016CXGC07
- Conditions
- Primary Hypertension
- Keywords
- Blood pressure control
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Unknown status
- Enrolment
- 8,000 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuwai HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jan 2017 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2020 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2021 (estimated)
- First posted
- 10 Jan 2017 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients (STEP) is a 2-arm, multi-center, prospective, randomized, open-labeled, blinded-endpoint trial. The purpose of this trial is to test whether a treatment program aimed at reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) to a lower goal (<130 mmHg, intensive treatment) than currently recommended (<150 mmHg, standard treatment) will reduce CVD risk among persons between 60-80 years of old. Furthermore, this trial will also examine the effect of blood pressure APP management strategy via WeChat network on medication compliance, blood pressure control and CVD benefits.
Detailed description
Hypertension is highly prevalent in the adult population in China, and its burden is rapidly increasing among persons older than 60 years of age. Elevated blood pressure (BP) is an important public health concern which contributes to several adverse health outcomes, especially coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and decline in cognitive function. Clinical trials have shown that a lower systolic blood pressure goal will lead to greater reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence, but the effect of intensive treatment of systolic blood pressure below 120 mm Hg in reducing of CVD risk has long been debated. In particularly, among the elderly hypertensive patients aged 60 years or older, the most appropriate targets for blood pressure lowering to reduce cardiovascular events still remain uncertain.
The STEP trial will randomize about 8000 participants aged between 60 and 80 years with SBP≥140 mm Hg and <190 mm Hg, and without a history of atherothrombotic or hemorrhagic stroke. Target SBP goals are 110-130 vs 130-150 mm Hg, respectively. The purpose of the STEP trial is to test whether a treatment program aimed at reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) to a lower goal (<130 mmHg, intensive treatment) than currently recommended (<150 mmHg, standard treatment) will reduce CVD risk among hypertensive patients between 60-80 years. Participants will be recruited at approximately 40 clinic centers in China within approximately a 1-year period, and will be followed for 4 years. Furthermore, this trial will also examine the effect of blood pressure APP management strategy via WeChat network on medication compliance, blood pressure control and CVD benefits.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive BP control | Experimental | Drug: Intensive BP controlSBP within 110 - <130 mm Hg. Participants randomized into the Intensive BP control arm will have a goal of SBP 110 - <130 mm Hg. |
| Standard BP control | Active comparator | Drug: Standard BP controlSBP within 130 - <150 mm Hg. Participants randomized into the Intensive BP control arm will have a goal of SBP 130 - <150 mm Hg. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Systolic BP between 140-190 mm Hg in the three screening visits or currently under anti-hypertension treatment;
- An age of 60 - 80 years old;
- Signed the written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (15 listed)
- Systolic BP≥190 mm Hg, or diastolic BP <60 mm Hg;
- Known secondary cause of hypertension;
- History of large atherosclerotic cerebral infarction or hemorrhagic stroke (not lacunar infarction and transient ischemic attack [TIA]);
- Hospitalization for myocardial infarction or unstable angina within the previous 6 months;
- Coronary revascularization (PCI or CABG) within the previous 12 months;
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive BP controlAlso: Lower target for reducing SBPFor all participants, Olmesartan Medoxomil tablets or Amlodipine Besylate tablets will be used as an initial therapy. Other drugs, including hydrochlorothiazide and β-blockers, are allowed, in order to achieve the SBP target. If the target BP level is not achieved during the Follow-up periods, adjustment of drug type and dosage will be carried out according to procedures defined in the protocol. | Drug | Intensive BP control |
| Standard BP controlAlso: Standard target for reducing SBPFor all participants, Olmesartan Medoxomil tablets or Amlodipine Besylate tablets will be used as an initial therapy. Other drugs, including hydrochlorothiazide and β-blockers, are allowed, in order to achieve the SBP target. If the target BP level is not achieved during the Follow-up periods, adjustment of drug type and dosage will be carried out according to procedures defined in the protocol. | Drug | Standard BP control |
Primary outcome
Primary composite outcome
Time frame: 4 years
A composite end-point comprised of acute coronary syndrome (myocardial infarction and hospitalization for unstable angina), first occurrence of symptomatic stroke ( ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke), hospitalization for decompensated heart failure, coronary revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]), atrial fibrillation, and death from cardiovascular causes.
12 secondary outcomes
Composite of major adverse cardiac events (primary outcome without stroke)
Time frame: 4 years
First occurrence of symptomatic stroke ( ischemic or hemorrhagic)
Time frame: 4 years
Acute coronary syndrome
Time frame: 4 years
Hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure
Time frame: 4 years
coronary revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG])
Time frame: 4 years
Atrial fibrillation
Time frame: 4 years
Cardiovascular death
Time frame: 4 years
All-cause death
Time frame: 4 years
First occurrence of diabetes mellitus
Time frame: 4 years
Decline in cognitive function
Time frame: 4 years
Decline in renal function or development of end stage renal disease (ESRD)
Time frame: 4 years
Major artery stiffness
Time frame: 4 years
Results and safety
Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Jul 2021.
- Background: PubMed 26603746Wang Y, Peng X, Nie X, Chen L, Weldon R, Zhang W, Xiao D, Cai J. Burden of hypertension in China over the past decades: Systematic analysis of prevalence, treatment and control of hypertension. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2016 May;23(8):792-800. doi: 10.1177/2047487315617105. Epub 2015 Nov 24.
- Background: PubMed 26551272SPRINT Research Group; Wright JT Jr, Williamson JD, Whelton PK, Snyder JK, Sink KM, Rocco MV, Reboussin DM, Rahman M, Oparil S, Lewis CE, Kimmel PL, Johnson KC, Goff DC Jr, Fine LJ, Cutler JA, Cushman WC, Cheung AK, Ambrosius WT. A Randomized Trial of Intensive versus Standard Blood-Pressure Control. N Engl J Med. 2015 Nov 26;373(22):2103-16. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1511939. Epub 2015 Nov 9.
- Background: PubMed 20228401ACCORD Study Group; Cushman WC, Evans GW, Byington RP, Goff DC Jr, Grimm RH Jr, Cutler JA, Simons-Morton DG, Basile JN, Corson MA, Probstfield JL, Katz L, Peterson KA, Friedewald WT, Buse JB, Bigger JT, Gerstein HC, Ismail-Beigi F. Effects of intensive blood-pressure control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. N Engl J Med. 2010 Apr 29;362(17):1575-85. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1001286. Epub 2010 Mar 14.
- Background: PubMed 2676266Probstfield JL, Applegate WB, Borhani NO, Curb JD, Cutler JA, Davis BR, Furberg CD, Hawkins CM, Lakatos E, Page LB, et al. The Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP): an intervention trial on isolated systolic hypertension. SHEP Cooperative Research Group. Clin Exp Hypertens A. 1989;11(5-6):973-89. doi: 10.3109/10641968909035386.
- Background: PubMed 19139601JATOS Study Group. Principal results of the Japanese trial to assess optimal systolic blood pressure in elderly hypertensive patients (JATOS). Hypertens Res. 2008 Dec;31(12):2115-27. doi: 10.1291/hypres.31.2115.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42104210Zhuang M, Peng X, Song Q, Bai J, Yu M, Cai J. Systolic blood pressure time-in-target range and kidney outcomes in patients with hypertension: Findings from the STEP trial. Chin Med J (Engl). 2026 Jun 20;139(12):1821-1828. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000004118. Epub 2026 May 8.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42025692Chen S, Ji Y, Yang R, Peng X, Bai J, Fan X, Song Q, Cai J. Influence of Baseline Smoking Status on Intensive Blood Pressure Control: Results From the STEP Randomized Trial. Can J Cardiol. 2026 Apr 21:S0828-282X(26)00361-2. doi: 10.1016/j.cjca.2026.04.005. Online ahead of print.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41823241Ling Q, Deng Y, Dong X, Song Q, Cai J. Effect of Hypertension Duration on the Associations Between Intensive Blood Pressure Control and Cardiac, Vascular, and Kidney Organ Damage. J Am Heart Assoc. 2026 Mar 17;15(6):e041556. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.125.041556. Epub 2026 Mar 13.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41105077Song Q, Peng X, Bai J, Yang R, Ling Q, Chen S, Ji Y, Dong X, Wang X, Wu S, Wang TD, Yu X, Liu H, Ren J, Zhou X, Chen R, Yang L, Yang J, Tian G, Zhang H, Zhao D, Chen F, Li D, Yu J, Zhang J, Yang Z, Zhang W, Cai J. Intensive Blood Pressure Control in Older Patients With Hypertension: 6-Year Results of the STEP Trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025 Oct 28;86(17):1421-1433. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2025.06.045. Epub 2025 Oct 17.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40858751Ji Y, Peng X, Chen S, Song Q, Bai J, Cai J. Evening home pulse pressure predicted cardiovascular events and mortality in older adults with hypertension: findings based on the STEP trial. Hypertens Res. 2025 Nov;48(11):2801-2810. doi: 10.1038/s41440-025-02349-y. Epub 2025 Aug 26.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40796327Dong X, Bai J, Ling Q, Zhao X, Cai J. Effect of intensive blood pressure control in patients with resistant hypertension: insights from the STEP trial. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2026 May 15;33(7):1218-1226. doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf507.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40598287Peng X, Olsen MH, Pareek M, Bai J, Liu Y, Song Q, Cai J. Impact of antihypertensive drug classes on cardiovascular outcomes: insights from the STEP study. BMC Med. 2025 Jul 1;23(1):365. doi: 10.1186/s12916-025-04158-z.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Within 3 years after the trial complete
Related trials for Primary Hypertension
Active, not recruiting
Digital Reinforcement of Motivational Interviewing Micro-Skills Among Primary Care Healthcare Professionals
Hypertension (Without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus)
Enrolling by invitationEarly Phase 1
Truway Diagnostic Tools in Primary Care
Chronic Disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Obesity, Overweight
RecruitingPhase 4
Sotatercept in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Pulmonary Artery Hypertension
Recruiting
The Effect of Self-Acupressure on Blood Pressure, Stress, and Well-Being Levels in Individuals With Hypertension
PRIMARY HYPERTENSION
Recruiting
Brain Stimulation Effects on Orientation and Mobility Skills in Adults With Vision Impairment
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Rod Cone Dystrophy
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Jun Cai, MD study director
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuwai Hospital
42 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study of Primary Hypertension, run by Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuwai Hospital at 42 sites in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 15 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Jul 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 42 sites in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Primary composite outcome (time frame: 4 years). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03015311, which also lists 34 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Jul 2021.