Derington CG, et al. - Given the potential link between total medication burden (antihypertensive and non-antihypertensive medications) and poor systolic blood pressure (SBP) control, researchers performed this secondary analysis of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial to determine the link between baseline medication burden and clinical outcomes. They also looked for any differences in the impact of SBP intervention according to baseline medication burden. This study included participants (n=3,769) with high baseline medication burden (≥ 5 medications) and those (n=5,592) with low burden (< 5 medications). Participants were randomized to either intensive or standard SBP goal (below 120 or 140 mmHg, respectively). Findings revealed a minimum association of medication burden with adherence or satisfaction. Worse intensive SBP control and higher rates of cardiovascular disease events and serious adverse events were reported in relation to high baseline medication burden. Irrespective of medication burden, the relative benefits and risks of intensive SBP goals were similar.