Implications of recent clinical trials in systemic hypertension. Results of a multicenter trial of nitrendipine, for mild to moderately severe systemic hypertension

Abstract

Results of the European Working Party group study and the Medical Research Council clinical trial in mild hypertension have important implications for the practicing physician. They appear to confirm 2 previous impressions. The first is that therapy for elderly patients with both systolic and diastolic hypertension is beneficial; cardiovascular mortality can be reduced by lowering blood pressure. These data are consistent with the findings in the 60- to 69-year-old cohort in the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program study in the US. The second is that specific treatment with antihypertensive agents in patients with mild hypertension will decrease overall cardiovascular mortality compared with placebo treatment. The approach to treatment in both of these studies was relatively simple, using a diuretic as step 1 therapy in the European study, and either a diuretic or a beta-adrenergic inhibiting agent in the Medical Research Council study. These data provide further evidence for the benefits of treatment of hypertension.