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Targeting Hypertension with Valsartan: Lessons Learned from the Valsartan/HCTZ Versus Amlodipine in Stage II Hypertensive Patients (VAST) Trial

Complutense University, Madrid, Spain, ruilope{at}adhocbox.com

Alberto Zanchetti

Centro di Fisiologia Clinica e Ipertensione, University of Milan, Ospedale Maggiore and Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy

Many patients with hypertension, especially those at increased risk because of additional cardiovascular risk factors, require treatment with more than one antihypertensive agent to achieve target blood pressure (BP) goals. Many different classes of antihypertensive agents are available: a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blocker and a diuretic are widely used in combination.

Here we report the results of the recently completed Valsartan/HCTZ versus Amlodipine in STage II hypertensive patients (VAST) trial. In this 24-week study, patients with moderate hypertension and at least one other cardiovascular risk factor were treated with a combination of valsartan 160 mg and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.5 or 25 mg once daily (o.d.), or with amlodipine monotherapy (10 mg o.d.). Overall, valsartan plus HCTZ 25 mg reduced systolic BP significantly more than amlodipine monotherapy, and with fewer adverse events. In addition, combination therapy resulted in a trend towards more favourable outcomes with respect to pro-thrombotic and proinflammatory markers than amlodipine alone.

Key Words: Valsartan • Hydrochlorothiazide • Hypertension • VAST trial

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Journal of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, Vol. 7, No. 1 suppl, S8-S11 (2006)
DOI: 10.3317/jraas.2006.020


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Ruilope, L. M Articles by Zanchetti, A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Ruilope, L. M Articles by Zanchetti, A. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?