Key result
Calcium channel blockers linked to ~84% higher overall mortality versus other antihypertensive drugs.
Why the study?
The efficacy and effectiveness of different antihypertensive agents, including calcium channel blockers, on mortality and cancer incidence in hypertensive patients were uncertain.
Do calcium channel blockers increase mortality and cancer incidence compared to other antihypertensive drugs in hypertensive patients?
Observational (n=1,243)
Yes
Do calcium channel blockers increase mortality and cancer incidence compared to other antihypertensive drugs in hypertensive patients?
Hazard Ratio: 1.84 (95% CI 1.25–2.72)
In this observational study, calcium channel blockers were associated with higher overall and cardiovascular mortality compared to other antihypertensive drugs, suggesting they should not be used as first-line therapy.
PURPOSE: Treatment with blood pressure lowering drugs may reduce morbidity and mortality. However, the efficacy and effectiveness may differ between antihypertensive agents. The current investigation aimed to compare mortality and cancer incidence in hypertensive patients treated with calcium channel blockers (CCB) or with other antihypertensive drugs (AHD). METHODS: All patients in two outpatient clinics treated with AHD who underwent an annual check-up during 1989 or 1990 were selected. Fatal events were identified through 1997 and incident cancers through 1998. RESULTS: Two hundred and fourteen patients on CCB and 1029 on other AHD were identified. Overall mortality and the combined mortality from myocardial infarction and stroke were higher in CCB users; hazard ratios adjusted for sex, age, comorbidity and other and risk factors were 1.84 (95% CI 1.25-2.72) and 2.37 (95% CI 1.27-4.44), respectively. The risk estimates for cancer mortality and for cancer incidence did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Results from clinical trials as well as observational studies, including the present one, indicate a higher mortality risk and a higher cardiovascular morbidity risk associated with use of CCB. Accordingly, CCB should not be regarded as first line drugs in hypertension.
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Lindberg et al. (2002) conducted an observational in Hypertension (n=1,243). Calcium channel blockers (CCB) vs. Other antihypertensive drugs (AHD) was evaluated on Overall mortality (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.25-2.72). Use of calcium channel blockers in hypertensive patients was associated with higher overall mortality compared to other antihypertensive drugs (adjusted HR 1.84; 95% CI 1.25-2.72).
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