Q J Med 2003; 96: 771-773
© 2003 Association of Physicians
Commentary |
The ALLHAT study: results and clinical implications
From the Oklahoma Cardiovascular and Hypertension Center and the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, USA
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| Introduction |
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The Antihypertensive Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) just published,1 is the largest clinical trial so far conducted. Under the auspices of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), it included over 40 000 high-risk hypertensive patients (aged 55 years or older) who were followed over 5 years (with the exception of the doxazosin treatment arm, which was discontinued prematurely due to a higher incidence of heart failure).2 It included 33 357 patients who were randomized to treatments, including chlorthalidone 12.525.0 mg/day (n = 15 255), amlodipine 2.510 mg/day (n = 9048) and lisinopril 1040 mg/day (n = 9054). The doses of these drugs were increased until a blood pressure goal of < 140/90 mmHg was achieved. In addition, other drugs could
| The results |
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| Implications for the practicing physician |
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Address correspondence to Professor S.G. Chrysant, Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, 5850 W. Wilshire Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73132, USA. e-mail: schrysant@yahoo.com