Choosing an antihypertensive combination with a more efficient central blood pressure reduction

Abstract

Not all blood pressure (BP)-lowering agents have the same effect on central BP, but we know that central BP, in itself, is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, antihypertensive agents should ideally also have a central BP-lowering effect. In this paper the authors evaluate the effect of adding a calcium channel blocker to a β-blocker. The results show this combination does not reverse the lesser effect of β-blockers on central BP, and that the combination of valsartan plus amlodipine is more effective in lowering central BP than a combination of amlodipine plus atenolol.