Characteristics of patients with coronary artery disease and hypertension: A report from INVEST

In all, 22,599 patients with coexisting hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD) from around the world are enrolled in the INternational VErapamil SR/trandolapril STudy (INVEST). As a result, much will be learned regarding the use of treatment strategies using verapamil SR and atenolol with and without trandolapril and/or hydrochlororthiazide in patients with hypertension and CAD, all of whom are at high risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This trial will provide meaningful data on optimal treatment strategies for hypertension, especially among patients who are elderly, have diabetes, have left ventricular hypertrophy, or who are dyslipidemic. This trial will be the first to use Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VI) guidelines as blood pressure goals to determine the relative benefits of a calcium antagonist versus a beta-blocker strategy in reducing morbidity and mortality. In addition, women and Hispanic patients participating in INVEST will provide the largest controlled experience in the management of hypertensive patients with CAD, facilitating the development of future guidelines.