Association of BP control and frequency of mortality and CV morbidity in hypertensive patients with CAD: the international verapamil SR-trandolapril study

Hypertension is generally considered a risk factor for CV disease; however, limited data are available on the impact of BP reduction on CV outcomes in the hypertensive, CAD population. We evaluated the effects of verapamil SR-based (Ve) and atenolol-based (At) strategies on BP control and relationship to CV outcomes. In the prospective, randomized ternational VErapamil SR/trandolapril STudy (INVEST), 22,576 patients with hypertension and CAD were assigned to Ve or At strategies and followed for 2.7 years (mean). Dose titration and additional drugs (trandolapril and/or HCTZ) were recommended to achieve JNC VI BP targets (<140/<90 mmHg or <130/<85 mmHg in patients with diabetes or renal impairment). The primary outcome (PO) was time to first occurrence of death (all cause), nonfatal MI or nonfatal stroke. A verapamil SR-based or atenolol-based strategy results in equivalent BP control and CV outcomes in hypertensive patients with CAD. Increased systolic BP is associated with increased frequency of adverse CV outcomes in this population. Am J Hypertens (2004) 17, 116A–116A; doi: 10.1016/j.amjhyper.2004.03.304