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Are cardiac outcomes better when the centerpiece of antihypertensive drug therapy is an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) or a calcium-channel blocker (CCB)? To find out, researchers conducted the multinational VALUE trial, sponsored by the manufacturer of the ARB valsartan.
A total of 15,245 hypertensive patients (mean age, 67; 42% women; 89% white; mean BP, 155/87 mm Hg) with at least one cardiovascular risk factor were randomized to receive currently recommended daily doses of valsartan (80-160 mg) or the CCB amlodipine (5-10 mg) after discontinuing prior antihypertensive therapy (92% had previously received such therapy). Study-drug doses were up-titrated within the recommended range, and other antihypertensive drugs were added, accordi…