Effects of antihypertensive treatment on endpoints in the diabetic patients randomized in the systolic hypertension in Europe (Syst-Eur) trial

In this review we attempt to determine the role of calcium channel blockers in preventing cardiovascular sequela in patients with both hypertension an d diabetes mellitus. The data have been collected from three sources: Post hoc analyses of subgroups of diabetic patients in placebo-controlled hypert ension trials (SHEP, Syst-Eur, Syst-China); a stepped care blood pressure o riented trial (HOT); and comparative trials primarily focussing on metaboli c aspects and intermediate endpoints (ABCD, FACET). On balance, the data seem to indicate that long-acting calcium channel bloc kers score remarkably well in preventing cardiovascular complications in di abetic hypertensive patients.