VALSARTAN AND ATENOLOL IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE ESSENTIAL-HYPERTENSION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of valsartan, a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist, versus atenolol in the treatment of severe primary hypertension. A total of 103 adult out-patients were randomised to receive either valsartan 160 mg or ate nolol 100 mg once daily for 6 weeks, if necessary, additional blood pr essure (BP) control could be provided as add-on therapy. Both valsarta n and atenolol decreased mean sitting diastolic BP (DBP) and mean sitt ing systolic BP (SBP): least squares mean change from baseline in DBP; valsartan, -20.0 mm Hg; atenolol, -20.4 mm Hg: in SEP; valsartan, -30 .0 mm Hg; atenolol, -25.5 mm Hg. There was no statistically significan t difference between the treatment groups. Add-on hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 25 mg was required by 97.2% of patients receiving atenolol and 83.6% of patients receiving valsartan; additional verapamil SR 240 mg was also required by 58.3% of patients receiving atenolol and 64.2% re ceiving valsartan. Valsartan was well tolerated, with a comparable inc idence of treatment-related adverse experiences in both groups. In con clusion valsartan 160 mg is as well tolerated and effective as atenolo l 100 mg in lowering BP in severely hypertensive patients.